One West Ham fan makes a habit of doing the Simone Zaza run up to finish his winning shots at the pool table here in the Transfer Tavern in homage to the Hammers’ woeful loan move for the Italian striker, which always generates laughs.
The 25-year-old is known the world over for his infamous spot-kick run-up at EURO 2016 as he blazed the ball over the bar on the way to Italy’s exit at the hands of Germany. Despite that horror moment, West Ham took a chance on the forward over the summer as they desperately hunted for a goal-getter, but to say it didn’t work out would be an understatement.
Zaza had a miserable time at the London Stadium, making 11 appearances while netting ZERO goals along the way before his move from Juventus was cancelled over the winter. The Serie A champions didn’t want him back and another loan move to Valencia followed, where the former Sassuolo man has found some form.
Official statement | @SimoneZaza https://t.co/BafknppcBU pic.twitter.com/q7KzeALY68
— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) April 10, 2017
And the Spaniards have been so impressed with the player that they’re opted to keep him around permanently, tying him down to a contract until 2021 today. Naturally, this news has generated some responses on Twitter, and here are some of the best.
As you can tell, West Ham fans have mixed memories of him…
@SSNU_s Lol!!! One of the worst deals ever for West Ham. So glad he’s gone #COYI #WHUFC
— Jamie Brewster (@JayBrewdawg) April 10, 2017
@iambolar Seriously the worst deal ever for West Ham… #WHUFC
— Dom Miles (@dommileswhufc) April 10, 2017
@WHUFC_News @SexyLanzini Gd luck Zaza shame it didn’t work at West Ham but you was a professional about it and never slag the club off
— Larron FC formed 92 (@larronfc) 10 April 2017
@WHUFC_News Wish him well. Didn’t work out for him at West Ham but he made no excuses and took full responsibility. Quite a contrast to Payet!
— Martin Gambrell (@marcatrepa) 10 April 2017
@WHUFC_News He looks delighted
— Matt Harris (@Matt1811Harris) 10 April 2017
As well as followers of the Irons, the wider footballing community has been involved, with most mocking Zaza…
@TransferRelated Good luck taking long penalties in Spain Zaza!
— The MOB™ (@Xhakanator) 10 April 2017
@TransferRelated pic.twitter.com/YJ9V4dMJSa
— Hassan Ali (@Mr7assan3li) 10 April 2017
@Squawka I was at Valencia vs Celta Vigo the other night and seriously one of the worst players I’ve ever seen live.
— Mark Swires (@markswires) 10 April 2017
@valenciacf_en @SimoneZaza Good signing, give voro the permanent manager position
— Harry Forster (@harryforster98) 10 April 2017
@SquawkaNews Oh pic.twitter.com/PX8RakFMl7
— CraigFarrell (@EliteBailly3) 10 April 2017
