Former Arsenal star Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed that he has damaged his cruciate knee ligaments, meaning he will not play again until 2011. The French forward is a free-agent after leaving Middlesbrough in the summer, and he had looked like earning a deal with Premier League West Ham.

But he damaged knee ligaments whilst training with The Hammers, and is now club-less after suffering the blow.

"I had damaged my cruciate knee ligaments," he confirmed to the Sunday Mirror.

"There was a misunderstanding about the deal. I was led to believe it had been agreed, but West Ham said it hadn't.

"I asked the PFA to help and they said that all the club were obliged to pay was my medical expenses which they have."

Aliadiere also thanked his former club Boro, who are helping him in his rehabilitation.

"They have been brilliant. Gordon Strachan offered me the use of all their facilities. Hopefully I can be running again in six weeks and fit again in four months," he said.

"I can't wait to be playing again. This has all been so frustrating.

"Money is not the priority but I do want to be earning again. No-one is paying me at the moment. I'm not on the street - but it is my profession and I want to be out there."