Di Canio slams 'learner' Roeder

Paolo Di Canio has opened up a new rift with West Ham after launching a bitter attack on manager Glenn Roeder.

In what appears to be a "play me or sell me" ultimatum the controversial 33-year-old Italian, still angry at being substituted in Monday's 1-0 win at Fulham, was reported as saying: "If West Ham do not want me around in the future, then they have only got one thing to do - give me a free transfer at the end of the season.

"I never let myself be taken for a ride even by such respected managers as Giovanni Trapattoni and Fabio Capello. I am not prepared to be treated like a kid who has just started his career. Glenn Roeder is still at the beginning of his managerial career and young managers have to learn the same way young players have to learn.

"But he should appreciate he will not go far if he cannot find the courage to substitute the players who need to be substituted. The decision to substitute me left everybody amazed."

The Italian also appeared to call into question the work-rate of his strike partner Freddie Kanoute.

"At the start the manager had asked me and Kanoute to double up on the wings every time West Ham lost the ball. I did it from the first minute, giving my all to the team. My colleague scored a goal, but, apart from that his contribution defensively wasn't as intense."