Mauro Zarate completes transfer to Fiorentina, West Ham confirm

Mauro Zarate has completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina, West Ham announced on Thursday night.

The striker underwent a medical with the Italian club earlier in the day, and has now wrapped up a move back to the Serie A in a deal believed to be worth £1.5million.

The Hammers confirmed the news on their official Twitter account on Thursday, writing: "@mau_zeta has joined @acffiorentina on a permanent contract. #WestHam would like to thank Mauro for his efforts in Claret and Blue and wish him all the best in his future career."

Although West Ham did not specify the length of Zarate's new contract with Fiorentina, sources in Italy believe the Argentine forward has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The move brings an end to the 28-year-old's spell at Upton Park, during which time he scored seven goals for West Ham including strikes in the 2-0 win over Arsenal and the 2-1 victory at home to Chelsea earlier this season.

Zarate took to social media on Thursday evening to say thanks to West Ham's hierarchy, the club's fans and his teammates for their support during his time in England.

In a photo posted onto his Twitter account, he wrote: "I would like to thank David Sullivan and David Gold for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity of playing at such a special club like West Ham.

"I would also like to thank my teammates for the god times we shared and wish them very best for the future, and especially I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the West Ham supporters for their unconditional support and affection, you are truly unique.

"Thank you all very much! COYI".