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Corradi's Man City plea Wednesday 5 September, 2007

Bernardo Corradi is overjoyed to be back in Serie A and begs Manchester City to let him stay at Parma on a permanent basis.

“I know everyone here, so it’s like returning to my family home and I am so happy to be here again,” said the striker in his presentation Press Conference.

He had already starred for the Gialloblu when he was on loan from Valencia, scoring 10 goals in 35 games to keep them afloat in 2005-06.

“I had some good times with Parma, but it was all different then, as the club was under administration and fought hard to stay in the top flight.”

That is still their target this term, but Corradi is an important reinforcement, especially with centre-forward Igor Budan out for a couple of months injured.

“There is a real club in place now and I want to prove on the field that they were right to want me,” he added.

“I chose Parma because I heard they wanted me more than any other side. I had offers from Spain and other countries, including within Italy, but I immediately understood that Parma wanted me at all costs.”

Corradi needs to prove something to his doubters back in England as well, having struggled to make an impact at Manchester City with just three goals in 25 Premiership appearances.

“When I arrived at Parma two years ago I knew it was a one-season affair on loan and dreamed of winning back my place in the Italy squad for the World Cup. Now my ambition today is to do so well that at the end of the season I can ask Manchester City to leave me here permanently.

“England was an experience that allowed me to mature and know myself a little better. It will be useful for my time here as well.”

Corradi could make his debut as early as next weekend in a crunch relegation dogfight with Cagliari at the Stadio Tardini.

“I am in good shape and cannot wait to train, run and play football. I can be Budan’s replacement, but also play alongside him. We are different players and can do well together.”

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