zarate has an assist clause lol

Expect Mauro Zarate to start passing the ball more often after he confirmed that he’s on an assist bonus at Inter.

The Argentine, who has a reputation as a dribbler, joined the Nerazzurri on Wednesday after leaving his beloved Lazio.

“It’s true that I’m on an assist bonus,” he stated on Friday. “I believe I got nine last year, which is quite a lot. I think more clubs could use the assist clause in the future.”

It’s understood that the bonus clause will be activated if he sets up 10 goals during the 2011-12 campaign.

Zarate was forced to find a new club after he no longer featured in the plans of boss Edy Reja, despite his popularity amongst the Lazio faithful.

“After speaking to Reja I understood that I needed a new challenge,” he added. “I won’t tell you what we said to each other though. That will stay between us.

“The Lazio fans know what has gone on. I’m grateful to them. They’ve made me experience some beautiful feelings and I’d like to thank them.”

The former Birmingham man had suggested that he was going to the Premiership, but then the San Siro giants made their move.

“I did think I was heading to England, but then the opportunity to move to Milan arrived,” the forward continued. “Inter were my first choice.

“It’s terrible to be sold on deadline day. I didn’t sleep for a week and that had never happened before.

“There were five hours to go, then the decisive call from Inter arrived and it was just great.”

Zarate has joined the club on loan which has left the door open for a possible return to Rome next summer.

“I’m not thinking about next season,” he noted. “I’m just focused on doing well at Inter this term. A lot of things have been written about me, but I’ll prove that they are not true.

“Replacing Samuel Eto’o? He is a great player, but the team is always the most important thing. We’ll look to do well.

“I can play anywhere in attack, it’ll be up to the Coach to decide where.

“My No 28 shirt number? I got married on that date. Anyway, 2+8=10!”