New West Ham signing Mauro Zarate hopes to emulate Carlos Tevez
New West Ham striker Mauro Zarate hopes to emulate fellow Argentine and former Upton Park favourite Carlos Tevez.
Last Updated: 06/06/14 1:28pm
Zarate has signed for the Hammers on a three-year contract from Velez Sarsfield, after finishing as top scorer for the Argentine side last season with 20 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
The 27-year-old first graced the Premier League while on loan at Birmingham City in 2008, where he scored four goals in 14 appearances for the struggling Blues.
The Argentine striker now hopes to make an impact at Upton Park, following in the footsteps of Tevez, who dramatically inspired West Ham to Premier League safety in 2006.
"Carlos is a fantastic player and a fantastic person," Zarate told the club's official website. "I don't think I can do the same as he did, but I hope I can become as big a favourite at this club as he was.
"I hope I will play good football and reach the highest possible level. I am very confident I am going to succeed here.
"I have played with Lazio and Inter Milan in Serie A and the Champions League and now I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League for a second time.
"English football is beautiful. I always said I wanted to come back to England to play and now I have this chance and I don't want to lose it."
Zarate is looking forward to teaming up with target man Andy Carroll next season, and both players will hope to benefit from new attacking coach and former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham, who has been appointed by manager Sam Allardyce in a bid to help the Hammers play more attractive football.
"I know Andy Carroll," said Zarate. "He is a fantastic player and a centre forward who is physical and very important for the team."
The 5ft 9in forward hopes his performances could see him earn a call-up to the Argentina national team, but he remains realistic over his chances.
"It will be very difficult for me to break into the squad because it is so strong and we have so many good strikers, but I will certainly try," said Zarate.
