Widely regarded as the worst €20 million ever spent in Premier League history (or at least in the books of West Ham fans), former Hammers flop Simeone Zaza has done the unthinkable.
Not only did he find the net for his new club Valencia, something he failed to due during his miserable time at the London Stadium, but the Italian did so three times. In eight minutes.
Zaza’s astonishing hat-trick came as Valencia thrashed Malaga 5-0 last week, leaving West Ham fans, and perhaps the wider football community, in disbelief.
The first, a poachers sliding finish at the back post. The second, an perfectly timed run and exquisite header. The third, a neat finish under the keeper with his left foot.
The trio of strikes took the striker’s total to the season to 4, and 10 in total since leaving East London for La Liga in January.
Understandably, Hammers fans are wondering where that kind of form disappeared to during his time in the capital. Perhaps he was still taking THAT penalty? Who knows.
https://twitter.com/GAMERST3V3/status/910222937088806912
I've seen Zaza score a hat-trick live.
— Dowle (@DowleBFC) September 19, 2017
Zaza hat-trick. West Ham fans can't comprehend.
— H. Gam…… (@HristoGambostin) September 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mike_b_Spurs/status/910221654453825536
— Pete (@AutographPete) September 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mohiuddin15151/status/910379546804936705
Can't believe that Zaza scored a hat-rick for Valencia could of done that at his time at West Ham.
— Adam Dyer (@Dyer1Adam) September 19, 2017
Have west ham got scouts watching zaza tonight?
— Paul (@Hammer1966) September 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/LWard_6/status/910223646957940737