Michael Carrick has admitted that his West Ham career is all but over following Satur-day's play-off defeat to Crystal Palace.

But he would be sad to leave the club where he has emerged from the youth team to earn full international honours.

"The club have been great to me and I have been happy here," he said. "I have never said I wanted to leave. Now it's all about the money and what situation the club is in.

"I have had great times here and it has been a hard season for everyone at the club. We really thought we could get back up there but it wasn't to be.

"I really hope for the club's sake it can get back up there next season."

Published Tuesday June 1, 2004

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