Mauro Zarate affirmed the claims of Tare and Reja that he indeed wanted to leave, but revealed that he has decided so after a meeting was held with Tare and Reja.

Tare and Reja in separate press conferences had claimed that Zarate wanted to leave the biancoceleste, and Zarate in his latest press conference confirmed the reports, but explained that he decided to after he had talks with Reja and Tare about his situation.

"After my talk with Reja, I wanted to leave, I wanted new challenges. But I will not say what happened in that meeting, these things should stay in the locker room."

"I never had problems with my team mates at Lazio, but the press love to create problems and invent things that did not happen" said Mauro in response to reports that his team-mates were annoyed by his attitude.

But what about the accusations of keeping the ball to himself, Mauro had a good answer: "I think the 9 assists I gave last season tell otherwise, but yes there is a clause in the contract about assists." confirming the question whether there was a clause inserted in his contract with Inter.

Many fans were disgruntled with Zarate's leave from the capital, and Mauro said: "The Lazio fans are great, they made me feel so welcome at Lazio, I am forever grateful."

Zarate was then asked why he wrote on his twitter that he is leaving to England. "Everything was set for me to go to Engalnd, but then Inter came knocking and I cannot say no to Inter !

Finally when asked about what will happen in June, whether he will return to Lazio or continue at Inter, Zarate evaded by saying: "Now I have to work hard and show that I am worthy of wearing Inter's shirt."

(Mahyar Yahfoufi)