The enigmatic Italian was a free agent after his contract with the Hammers expired at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old from Rome said: "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."

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

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley was equally happy with his new acquisition.

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

"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."

Paolo Di Canio 

Nationality: Italian
Place of Birth: Rome, Italy 
Date of Birth: 9 July 1968 
Weight: 11 09 
Height: 5' 9'' 
Club: Charlton Athletic 
Position: Forward


Year

Club

Apps.

Goals

1985/86

Lazio

0

0

1986/87

Ternana

27

2

1987/88

Lazio

0

0

1988/89

Lazio

30

1

1989/90

Lazio

24

3

1990/91

Juventus

23

3

1991/92

Juventus

24

0

1992/93

Juventus

31

3

1993/94

Napoli

26

5

1994/95

Juventus

0

0

1994/95

Milan

15

1

1995/96

Milan

22

5

1996/97

Celtic

26

12

1997/98

Sheffield Wed

35

12

1998/99

Sheffield Wed

6

3

1998/99

West Ham Utd

13

3

1999/00

West Ham Utd

30

16

2000/01

West Ham Utd

31

9

2001/02

West Ham Utd

26

9

2002/03

West Ham Utd

18

9