Argentine forward Mauro Zarate has completed his controversial move to Superliga Champions Boca Juniors from Watford.

Zarate, 31, joins Boca Juniors from the Premier League side on a permanent deal after opting not to move to fellow Argentine club Velez Sarsfield.

The former Lazio and West Ham United star had spent the second half of last season on loan at Velez for his third spell and had agreed a permanent move to his boyhood club before he made a u-turn on his decision.

On his betrayal, Mauro’s brother, Rolando Zarate told Fox Sports Radio earlier this week that: “Mauro stuck a knife in my back. I am destroyed.”

“He betrayed the whole family and the 40 years of history that we have with Velez.

“I want to cry. We were born at Velez, we grew up at Velez and my old man had worked for 40 years.” He added

Defending his decision, Zarate told Boca Juniors’ website that: “The Boca fans know me as a player. Maturity always helps and I have improved many things.

“Before, perhaps because I was young or had little experience, I made mistakes. They are things I do not repeat now.” He concluded.

Mauro Zarate moved to Watford from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina in January 2017 before a serious knee injury truncated his Hornets career.

He moved to Al Nasr of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on loan in October 2017 and thereafter joined Velez Sarsfield on a short-term loan in January.