I’m staying at Lazio, says striker Zarate

Argentina striker Mauro Zarate wants to remain at Lazio next season.

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico this summer after a mixed campaign with the Biancoceleste outfit.

“I have chosen to remain at Lazio,” Zarate told Corriere dello Sport. “I don’t want to leave.

“I still have three years left on my contract and I want to continue to do well with this team.

“Some people believe that last season was a negative one for me. I can only say that we didn’t see the best Zarate and, hence, I wasn’t satisfied with the campaign.

“I want to do better and I can still improve a lot.”

Zarate scored nine goals to help Lazio finish fifth in Serie A and qualify for next season’s Europa League.

Meanwhile, Lazio president Claudio Lotito insists that Juventus target Stephan Lichtsteiner is not up for sale.

Reports in Italy claim that Juve are close to acquiring the Switzerland international, who is under contract with Lazio for a further season.

However, Lotito told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The player is not on the market.

“If Juventus want to sign him, they need to pay €12 million for his release clause. We do not want to sell him so if any club wants to acquire him, they will have to pay the fee.”