Mauro Zarate (left) speaks with Fiorentina manager Paulo Sousa as he prepares to make his debut

Fiorentina forward Mauro Zarate has criticised former club West Ham for playing him out of position during his time with the club.

The 28-year-old ended a 20-month spell at Upton Park on Thursday when he joined Fiorentina for a fee in the region of £1.6m.

Zarate, who has previously played in Serie A for Lazio and Inter Milan, failed to secure a regular place in the Hammers side and made just four substitute appearances during a loan spell with QPR last season.

He has now hit out at Hammers boss Slaven Bilic after being unveiled by his new club, claiming Fiorentina's Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa will offer him more freedom to express himself as a player.

Slaven Bilic says he was proud of his West Ham players against Man City and felt the positives outweighed conceding a late equaliser Slaven Bilic says he was proud of his West Ham players against Man City and felt the positives outweighed conceding a late equaliser

"I'm happy to be back in Italy with a great team, and to show how I can play," said Zarate.

"It's a good chance for me to get back on track. In England, it was good because English football is enjoyable, but I wasn't too comfortable with my role at the club and that's why I decided to come here.

Zarate was unhappy at being played out of position by West Ham boss Slaven Bilic

"I prefer to play in a free, attacking role, one that allows me to roam. I've already spoken with Sousa and he has assured me I'll have that."

Zarate made his Fiorentina debut at the weekend when he came off the bench to replace Nikola Kalinic during their 2-0 home win over Torino.