The father of West Ham United flop Simeone Zaza has labelled his move to the London Stadium as ‘huge mistake’, blaming both the weather and manager Slaven Bilic for his lack of success.
Zaza joined the Hammers last summer on a season-long loan from Juventus, however lasted until only just after the New Year before being shipped on to La Liga side Valencia.
The Italian failed the find the net in Claret and Blue, but has since enjoyed a run of fine form in Spain and is currently La Liga’s second top scorer with 6 goals already this season, and his father Antonio has stated his move away from East London has done wonders for his footballing career.
“It was a huge mistake,” Antonio, who is also his son’s agent, told Calcio Mercato.
“Simone was still concerned by the penalty he missed with Italy at the time and he failed to settle in well in London.
“He was not happy with the weather and with the formation of his ex-boss. Moving to Spain was the best ever decision for him.”
Zaza rose in infamy following his awful penalty against Germany that saw Italy knocked out of Euro 2016 at the quarter-final stage – a mistake that has since cost him is place in the Italian national team.
Simeone’s father however says he respects manager Gian Piero Ventura’s decision even though his son was disappointed not to be given the nod given his good form for Valencia.
“We respect the choices of Ventura,” he said. “Of course Simone was not happy for the decision because things are going well in Valencia at the moment, every player dreams of the national team.
“Only who takes the penalties miss them. When he took the responsibility he knew he could fail. I hope no (that the miss will count against him), anyway. He did many positive games with Italy.”
Valencia currently sit third in La Liga and remain undefeated in seven top flight games.
