West Ham confirm Collins among five players leaving

West Ham have confirmed they are releasing James Collins.

The defender will leave the club this summer when his contract expires, as will Patrice Evra.

The Hammers are also releasing youngsters Korrey Henry, Rosaire Longelo and Rihards Matrevics.

Collins, who turns 35 in August, made 214 appearances across two spells with West Ham, spanning 10 seasons.

The Wales international was signed from Cardiff City in 2005 and returned in 2012 following a three-year spell at Aston Villa.

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said in a statement on the club website: “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks for the outstanding service James has given West Ham United down the years.

“His bravery and commitment on the pitch were never called into question and he has played his part in establishing the club in the Premier League since his return in 2012.

“We appreciate just how popular James is among our fellow supporters but, with the appointment of a new manager, we felt together that the time was right to go our separate ways.

“It goes without saying that we wish James and his family every success in the future and they will always be welcome at London Stadium.”