Mauro Zarate: 'I was not comfortable in my role at West Ham United'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 26 January 2016

New Fiorentina signing Mauro Zarate criticises West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic for playing him out of position during his 20-month spell at Upton Park.

Mauro Zarate has criticised his spell at West Ham United by claiming that manager Slaven Bilic played him out of position.

The 28-year-old attacker finalised a move to Fiorentina last Thursday for a fee of around £1.6m.

Zarate spent 20 months at the Hammers, but was shipped out on loan in the second half of last season to Queens Park Rangers, where he made just four appearances off the bench.

Now, the Argentine has revealed that he was not happy with the role that he was given at Upton Park.

"I'm happy to be back in Italy with a great team, and to show how I can play," Sky Sports News quotes Zarate as saying.

"It's a good chance for me to get back on track. In England, it was good because English football is enjoyable, but I wasn't too comfortable with my role at the club and that's why I decided to come here.

"I prefer to play in a free, attacking role, one that allows me to roam. I've already spoken with Sousa and he has assured me I'll have that."

Zarate made his debut for Fiorentina in their 2-0 win over Torino at the weekend.