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Zaza, who recently joined Valencia after a failed spell at West Ham
United, says he only has himself to blame for his ineffective
performances in the English Premier League.
The Italy international striker joined the Hammers in the off-season on a loan deal from Juventus, with high expectations placed on his shoulders.
A powerful left-footed forward comfortable with the ball at his feet, the 25-year-old was expected to lead Slaven Bilic's side into a new era.
But following a number of anonymous displays, Zaza was dropped from the first-team as the club decided to avoid activating a clause requiring them to sign him permanently for €20 million if he made 20 appearances.
Now, after joining the Spanish Primera Division strugglers, the former Sassuolo forward concedes he had a negative mindset during his stint in London and regrets not making the most of his opportunity.
"It was a very difficult time for me. When I joined from Juventus I was very optimistic, I wanted to experience playing in England because I thought it was the football that I liked and where I could use my qualities," he told the London Evening Standard.
"Everything started badly from the outset, I think the main blame lies with me because I was not right mentally, I was very negative and in all the things that happened I never saw the positive side.
"There was an atmosphere, a culture very different to mine. That was a problem. Now I'm here I feel bad not to have shown in England what I'm capable of."
West Ham find themselves in the middle of a messy transfer saga with star player Dimitri Payet demanding a move away from the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers next face a trip to the Riverside Stadium to face Aitor Karanka's relegation threatened Middlesbrough and will be looking to continue their good form after a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Kick off is at 17:00.
