Simone Zaza says his relationship with West Ham fans has improved hugely

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Zaza’s gutsy performance against Crystal Palace has endeared him to the Hammers faithful.

West Ham United summer signing Simone Zaza has told the club’s official website that his relationship with the club’s supporters has already improved hugely, and expressed his desire to be able to celebrate his first goal with the fans.

Zaza has been much-maligned in the early weeks of the season for a series of below-par performances as he struggled to reach full fitness and adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

However, he put in a much-improved display full of energy and fighting spirit to help the Hammers finally record their second Premier League win of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend.

At the end of that game he was given an excellent reception by the travelling supporters, and recognised that by throwing his shirt to the Irons fans.

Now, the Italian has discussed how his relationship with the West Ham fanbase has changed for the better already, and admitted that he is desperate to score his first goal for the club so that he can celebrate with supporters.

Zaza told the club’s website: “My relationship with the supporters is much better now! The fans expect me to give my best, and so they should, but sometimes the difficulties a player is experiencing are not so clear.

“What is important to the fans is the team scoring goals and winning games and they’re right about that. I know this is the right club for me, with the fans, the culture, the team and the whole concept of not giving up.

“I really appreciate the fact that the fans appreciated my performance at Crystal Palace and I hope my first goal comes soon so we can celebrate together. Of course I want my first goal to come and Saturday would be a great time for that to happen, particularly as we’re playing at home.”

Zaza will be looking eagerly at this weekend’s clash as an ideal opportunity to achieve that target, as the Hammers host hapless bottom-of-the-table side Sunderland at the London Stadium.