Italian Zaza wants to stay at Valencia even after loan period

Valencia (Spain), Jan 17 (IANS) New Valencia striker Simone Zaza said he decided to sign for the Valencian football club because it showed the most interest and his intention is to stay here even after his loan period from Juventus expires.

The Italian striker arrived at Valencia on loan from Juventus until the end of the season, after having played in West Ham this season but the Spanish club has a purchase option after the loan period ends,reports Efe.

"I want to play here - and not only six months, I have thought about this lot and I want to do things well. I like the city, I like the people here and I always wanted to play for Valencia CF," he said on Valencia's website on Monday.

"I'm very happy to be here. It wasn't a quickly taken decision, but I've finally arrived. I knew about Valencia CF's interest a long time ago. I wasn't going through a good time there, but I'm motivated to come here and play," he added.

Asked how he felt during the long period of negotiations for his signing during which coach Cesare Prandelli and sports director Jesus Garcia Pitarch were dismissed, the player acknowledged that he had doubts when the coach left.

"I knew of the interest from Valencia CF and that (Cesare) Prandelli wanted me here, but when he left I thought that it was off - that I was a specific request of the coach. However, that same night I received a call from the club to say that they wanted me," he said.