Arnautovic ends China talk with new West Ham contract

West Ham has announced a new contract for Marko Arnautovic, less than an hour after it was beaten 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic issued a statement on social media confirming he would not be leaving London Stadium.

Marko Arnautovic has signed a new contract with West Ham in a move the club hope will end speculation over the forward's future.

Arnautovic had been heavily tipped to move to the Chinese Super League, having reportedly received a lucrative proposal from Shanghai SIPG, but he issued a statement on social media confirming he would not be leaving London Stadium.

The Austria international has now agreed to a new deal that the club says highlights his "100 per cent commitment to the Hammers", with the player insisting, contrary to some reports, that he had never refused to play or train in order to force through a transfer.

West Ham United made the announcement less than an hour after its shock 4-2 defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fourth round, in which Arnautovic did not play.

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Arnautovic, speaking to the club's official website, said: "I'm happy for this and I want to say to the fans that I'm happy to stay, I glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused [to play or train]. I would never refuse.

"I'm happy, I'm happy to come to this point. I'm happy that this club is improving. Step by step, every week, every month we are seeing some improvement and that's good.

"Our target, of course, is to climb as high as possible in the league table. We need to start again taking some points. We know it won't be easy against Wolves away and Liverpool at home. It's never easy in this league but I'm sure we have enough quality to win games and to climb as high as possible in the table and then we'll see.

"The fans gave me the power, they gave me the energy and that's why I have to be here and that's why I want to stay. I never wanted to run away because I hate this club, this was never my intention.

"I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn't matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life. I love this happiness, so listen, I'm here, I'm ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again."