Simone Zaza scored his first goal of 2018 during Valencia’s 2-0 win against Real Betis on Sunday, but there was controversy over his celebration.
Zaza has made just two starts for Valencia since the turn of the year but came off the bench to cap off Los Che’s fourth win in five, keeping them just a point behind Real Madrid in La Liga’s top four.
Simone Zaza scored his first goal of 2018 during Valencia’s 2-0 win against Real Betis on Sunday, but there was controversy over his celebration.
Zaza has made just two starts for Valencia since the turn of the year but came off the bench to cap off Los Che’s fourth win in five, keeping them just a point behind Real Madrid in La Liga’s top four.
However, the striker was forced to clarify that his chattering gesture after scoring was “a private joke” with his father and not a dig at the local Press or Coach Marcelino for dropping him recently.
“I was playing every match as a starter, but I’m not any longer so I must have done something wrong…” the Italian told Cadena COPE.
“I was very happy to score the goal and it’s not true that I’m unhappy at the club. My ‘shut-up’ celebration was a private joke with my father, so you shouldn’t read anything into it.
“Astori? I knew him well and it was a sad day for everyone who did. The situation is very sad.”