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Fabio: It's payback time Wednesday 18 July, 2007

Udinese hitman Fabio Quagliarella has reassured President Giampaolo Pozzo that he will justify his summer price tag.

The 23-year-old striker showed lethal form last term at Sampdoria where he fired 13 goals, including a whole hosts of spectacular strikes.

As he was co-owned by the Blucerchiati and Udinese who both wanted to keep him, Quagliarella’s future was decided in a blind auction which saw the Zebrette pay around £5m for his signature.

However, there have been constant rumours, before and after the auction, that the Neapolitan ace may quit the Stadio Friuli for a bigger side such as Manchester United.

“I’m staying in Udine because I want to repay President Giampaolo Pozzo’s faith in me,” Quagliarella insisted when quizzed on Raisport.

“He invested a large amount of money in me and I signed a five year deal and so of course I’ll be playing for the Zebrette. This is a pivotal year and I’m happy to be here despite Manchester United’s interest.”

Udinese are currently in Bergamo but will complete their pre-season preparations in England with a trip to Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena on August 4.

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