Zaza blames culture clash for West Ham failure
- by Staff Writer
- Tuesday, 17th January 2017
Simone Zaza has been speaking about his decision to join Valencia, just a matter of days after he ended his brief stay at West Ham.
The Italian international featured just 11 times for the Hammers without scoring a single goal prior to his move to the Mestalla Stadium, which was confirmed yesterday.Zaza, 25, told the Spanish media he had found it difficult to settle in the UK, claiming that he struggled with its unfamiliarity.
However the final straw, according to the player, was learning that West Ham had no intention of making his deal permament - as they were obliged to, should he feature on a minimum of 14 occasions during his loan spell.
Zaza poses in his new club's colours
"When I realised that I would not be in West Ham's plans I started to deal with Valencia," he said. "I took nothing positive from my experience at the club. I found a culture and a totally different environment from my own.
"The deal was anything but quick, but finally I'm here. I spoke with [Emiliano] Moretti and know many Italians have come to Valencia. There is a need for my goals."
West Ham are understood to have paid Zaza's parent club £5million to loan the striker for just five months.
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