Zaza underwhelmed in his first appearances for the Hammers but finally appears to be finding his feet.
West Ham United summer signing Simone Zaza has admitted to the club’s official website that he did not expect to struggle so much with adapting to life in English football but believes he is starting to show his real self on the pitch.
Zaza joined the Hammers during the transfer window on loan from Italian giants Juventus, but has so far failed to score in any of his first six appearances for the club.
During his first games he was criticised by fans and pundits alike as he appeared to be struggling to cope with the intensity of the Premier League.
However, there was a change in the wind during the win over Crystal Palace last weekend, as his tireless workman-like performance was met with a hugely appreciative reception from the travelling Irons fans.
The Italian international has now freely admitted that he has not been up to scratch so far in claret-and-blue, but insisted that he feels he is getting back to his best after reaching full fitness.
Zaza told the club’s website: “I feel like I’m performing well now I’m physically fit. I am happy for myself and also for the team because we really needed the win. I feel like we’re turning things around. The manager told me after that he had seen the ‘Real Zaza’ and yes, yes, I agree with that.
“I knew that when I arrived it would be hard, because it’s a completely different league, but I didn’t think it would be this different. I’m gradually getting used to it, feeling more confident and I’m very positive at the moment.”
West Ham fans will have been hugely encouraged by Zaza’s display at Selhurst Park, and will be hoping that a first goal is not far away for the 25-year-old.
Zaza will be targeting another place in the starting XI this weekend as the Hammers host bottom-of-the-table Sunderland, which could represent the perfect opportunity for him to get off the mark.
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