Argentine striker, Mauro Zarate has stated on Twitter that despite other offers he wishes to return to his first club, Velez Sarsfield, having been a free-agent since his contract with Lazio expired. If the move goes through it would be a real coup for Velez….

The news will be welcomed by Velez Sarsfield as they look to cash in on young striker Facundo ‘Chucky’ Ferreyra. His move to Shakhtar Donetsk could be completed this week and what would have left a void in goal scoring responsibilites would be, more than suitably, filled by a player of Zarate’s calibre. This season Velez have struggled with injury keeping Ferreyra on the sidelines for much of the campaign, which left even-younger, Ezequiel Rescaldani shouldering the responsibility. Still only 26 years of age, Velez would be acquiring Zarate in, what should be, the peak years of his career.

Zarate has made it quite clear that this is his intention and if he is to be believed, there is little to stand in the way. He stated, “I want to play and be happy. I do not care about the money, just to play and be fresh and so Velez is my priority.”

He added “While there have been offers from England, I want to play. I will meet with representatives but in Argentina, it’s Velez or nothing.”

The “important” team in England is not known but leaves a little area of doubt over the move. Zarate, of course, had a spell with Birmingham City back in 2008 with a degree of success but now at 26 this career move would be far more important.

Velez coach, Ricardo Gareca is obviously keen to add Zarate and has been full of praise for him but we will have to see if it comes to anything. If Velez were to add Zarate and with the sale of Ferreyra bring on board a fit, Fernando Gago they could be a real threat over the next season.