Mauro Zarate insists he wants to stay with Lazio.

The Argentine has struggled for minutes under Lazio coach Edy Reja.

But Zarate says: "I want to remain with Lazio and fight for a place in the Champions League next term.

"There are still four years left to run on my current deal with the club and I intend to respect it. The fans love me here, and I want to stay. If I have played badly this season, the blame lies only with myself and not the coach.

"I hope next season will be a better one for everyone here at Lazio."