Zola drops Tristan hint

Manager could retain in-form veteran striker

Last updated: 8th May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zola drops Tristan hint

Tristan: In form

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Gianfranco Zola believes Diego Tristan's good form is strengthening his case to remain with West Ham next season.

The experienced Spanish hit-man, who is out of contract in the summer, was snapped up by the Hammers last autumn.

Despite being the wrong side of 30, Zola believes Tristan is making a good argument for securing fresh terms at Upton Park.

The former Livorno and Real Mallorca hit-man scored the Hammers' winner in their 1-0 success at Stoke City last weekend.

Enjoyment

Zola does not necessarily believe the veteran is impressing to win a deal, but that he is playing well because he is enjoying his football.

"Obviously he has put himself in a strong position," Zola commented when asked whether Tristan would be offered a new deal.

"I think he is playing for his future, but more than that I would say he is playing because he is enjoying it.

"I haven't spoken to him but I believe he wants to stay."

Zola has bemoaned Tristan's lack of fitness upon joining the club, although he has no doubts that the striker possesses the attributes to be one of Europe's finest.

Conditioning

"The problem with Diego was the physical condition," Zola said. "When he first came here in November he wasn't as good as now physically.

"Other than that Diego Tristan has got everything and he can be a top striker in Europe easily.

"Don't forget he has been a national player for Spain and has been top scorer in that country for many years.

"He just lost a little bit of it in the last few years but he is getting back very, very quickly and in the last few games he has been outstanding."