Former West Ham United striker Ian Wright has told Simone Zaza he has already made a big mistake at his old club.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
The Italian striker has endured a torrid start to life as a West Ham United player on loan from Juventus.
The forward, famous for that penalty run-up and miss which made him something of a laughing stock at Euro 2016, joined Slaven Bilic‘s side in the summer from the Serie A champions.
He arrived with top billing and a bizarre “obligation to buy” clause which is activated once he plays 15 games.
Held up as the man to get the goals to fire West Ham into European contention yet again, Zaza has been found wanting so far and although his work rate has earned him respect from the fans, that will only get him so far.
Paolo Di Canio and Ian Wright during their time together at West Ham
On joining the club Zaza told West Ham’s official website that he wanted to emulate Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio.
And former Hammers star Wright has told BBC Radio 5 Live that Zaza has made a big mistake by talking about his compatriot.
“Why is he even mentioning Di Canio’s name?” Wright said on 5 Live after West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Southampton last time out.
Former West Ham United player Paolo Di Canio
“Paolo is one of the best players in West Ham’s history, why is he even talking about him.
“I get he said it in a positive way and he was trying to be positive but just do your own thing and concentrate on making a name for yourself.”
Zaza hasn’t hit the ground running for the Hammers
Wright, who played alongside Di Canio for West Ham under Harry Redknapp, was referring to the interview Zaza gave to whufc.com where he said he would like to follow in Di Canio’s footsteps and have a similar impact.
But in fairness to the striker he also said earlier in the interview: “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.”
So far he has struggled for even a sight of goal.
But he has come into a struggling side and off the back of his own experience at Euro 2016 would not have been full of confidence either.
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