Simone Zaza arrives with a big pedigree from Italian giants Juventus and cannot wait to showcase his talents in the Premier League following his season-long loan move to the Hammers. The prolific forward would love to follow in the footsteps of Italian compatriot and Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio and become another fans favourite at London Stadium this season.....
Simone Zaza, welcome to West Ham United. Why did you make the decision to join the Hammers and make a big move into the Premier League?
SZ: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me.”
You are joining the Club at such an exciting time with the historic move into the new Stadium. How much are you looking forward to playing at the magnificent London Stadium on a regular basis?
SZ: “I am very happy with the move and am looking forward to playing my first game there. I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wante to join the Club.”
How much did you enjoy playing in the Betway Cup against West Ham at the start of August and scoring the winning goal right at the end of the game?
SZ: “It felt really good and it is always a good feeling when a striker scores a goal. You are always happy. I knew that West Ham would be watching me and I wanted to show how good I can be. I just hope the fans were not upset with me scoring the winning goal!”
The West Ham fans will be excited over your arrival. What can they expect from Simone Zaza?
SZ: “My characteristics are that I am always wanting to score. I want to show that I am fit and run very fast. The only thing is that I don't like to make promises on what I can achieve, but I will always give my best in each game.”
Tell us about your friendship with Angelo Ogbonna. Having played alongside him for Italy, how much influence did he have in you signing for the Club?
SZ: “Of course I am very happy to see him. When I asked him what it was like at West Ham he only told me good things and it was like a family. The football here is different and has different traditions but I am very happy to see him again.”
One player you must know very well from your time at Juventus is Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio. How much would you like to follow in his footsteps and become a fans favourite at West Ham United?
SZ: “I know how important Di Canio is for this Club. He is in love with West Ham. I saw him talking on television about West Ham and how much he enjoyed his time at the Club. I would like to follow him and have a similar impact.”
With the current squad we have big name stars such Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. How much are you looking forward to playing alongside them on a weekly basis?
SZ: “Payet had a fantastic season and also played really well at the Euros during the summer. I am also looking forward to meeting up with all the other players and play alongside them.”
You have met up with Slaven Bilic. What are you hoping to achieve at West Ham United over the coming months?
SZ: “First of all I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we didn't qualify for the Europa League but hopefully I can help the Club achieve that next season.”
Simone Zaza, welcome to West Ham United. Why did you make the decision to join the Hammers and make a big move into the Premier League?
SZ: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me.”
You are joining the Club at such an exciting time with the historic move into the new Stadium. How much are you looking forward to playing at the magnificent London Stadium on a regular basis?
SZ: “I am very happy with the move and am looking forward to playing my first game there. I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wante to join the Club.”
How much did you enjoy playing in the Betway Cup against West Ham at the start of August and scoring the winning goal right at the end of the game?
SZ: “It felt really good and it is always a good feeling when a striker scores a goal. You are always happy. I knew that West Ham would be watching me and I wanted to show how good I can be. I just hope the fans were not upset with me scoring the winning goal!”
The West Ham fans will be excited over your arrival. What can they expect from Simone Zaza?
SZ: “My characteristics are that I am always wanting to score. I want to show that I am fit and run very fast. The only thing is that I don't like to make promises on what I can achieve, but I will always give my best in each game.”
Tell us about your friendship with Angelo Ogbonna. Having played alongside him for Italy, how much influence did he have in you signing for the Club?
SZ: “Of course I am very happy to see him. When I asked him what it was like at West Ham he only told me good things and it was like a family. The football here is different and has different traditions but I am very happy to see him again.”
One player you must know very well from your time at Juventus is Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio. How much would you like to follow in his footsteps and become a fans favourite at West Ham United?
SZ: “I know how important Di Canio is for this Club. He is in love with West Ham. I saw him talking on television about West Ham and how much he enjoyed his time at the Club. I would like to follow him and have a similar impact.”
With the current squad we have big name stars such Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. How much are you looking forward to playing alongside them on a weekly basis?
SZ: “Payet had a fantastic season and also played really well at the Euros during the summer. I am also looking forward to meeting up with all the other players and play alongside them.”
You have met up with Slaven Bilic. What are you hoping to achieve at West Ham United over the coming months?
SZ: “First of all I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we didn't qualify for the Europa League but hopefully I can help the Club achieve that next season.”