Di Canio joins Charlton

Di Canio has had a controversial career Di Canio's career in pictures

Charlton have signed former West Ham striker Paolo di Canio on a one-year contract.

The mercurial Italian's deal expired with the Hammers this summer and he has joined the Addicks as a free agent.

The 35-year-old signed after passing his medical on Monday and immediately expressed his delight at moving to The Valley.

"I had a number of lucrative offers from abroad but as soon as I met manager Alan Curbishley and chairman Richard Murray I sensed this was a club with ambition and real team spirit," Di Canio told the club's official website.

I know Paolo di Canio is going to be immensely popular with the club's fans Alan Curbishley

"I'm excited to be playing in the Premiership again next season and can't wait for my first game at The Valley."

Curbishley believes Di Canio will add a cutting edge to the team's play.

"I am delighted to have secured a player of Paolo's pedigree and quality," said Alan Curbishley.

"I know he is going to be immensely popular with the club's fans.

"He will add a different dimension to our play and I am sure that his professionalism and presence will also help the younger players in the side."

Di Canio, who will wear the number 11 shirt for Charlton, arrived in Britain in May 1996, joining Celtic from AC Milan for £1m.

The following year he switched to the Premiership when he was signed by Sheffield Wednesday for £3m.

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He spent two years at Hillsborough, but his time in Yorkshire soured when he pushed referee Paul Alcock to the floor after being sent-off during a match against Arsenal.

Di Canio's career in the Premiership was rescued when West Ham took a chance on the increasingly controversial figure.

The striker went on to establish a firm rapport with the Hammers' supporters and became a cult hero at Upton Park - despite falling out with manager Glenn Roeder in the final throes of last season.

Di Canio was brought back into the side for the final stages of the campaign - but could not prevent the club's relegation.

Now he is back in the Premiership and will hope to establish himself as a firm favourite at The Valley.

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