Mauro Zarate wants to commit his future to Serie A club Lazio, despite enduring a turbulent season.
Forward not looking to leave Italian club
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate wants to commit his future to Serie A club Lazio, despite enduring a turbulent season.
The 23-year-old, who joined the Biancocelesti permanently from Al-Saad in 2009, has failed to make an impact for the club this term, scoring just three goals in 30 appearances.
Lazio's league campaign was equally disappointing, with the team only managing to pull away from the relegation zone in the late stages of the season.
Former Birmingham City player Zarate had been linked with a move back to the Premier League following his unhappy season, but the striker insists he is content at the Italian club.
"It was absurd to see Lazio struggle for salvation, everyone was responsible," Zarate told
Sky Italia. "I want to stay at Lazio."
Zarate had a strained relationship with former Lazio boss Davide Ballardini, and has struggled to fit into new coach Edoardo Reja's regime following his appointment as manager earlier this year.
But the forward is willing to prove himself as a valuable player to Reja next season, as long as he is not forced to drastically change his style of play.
Challenge
"I don't want a guaranteed place (in the team), and now I have to convince my coach with goals," he added.
"I am ready to challenge. I'm not selfish but my way of playing is this and I can't distort it too much."
Zarate says he was disappointed not to make Argentina's World Cup squad, but admits he did not do enough this season to draw the attention of coach Diego Maradona.
"Unfortunately I'll stay at home," added Zarate. "I should have scored at least 20 goals to convince Maradona, but I only scored three, which is too few."
