Cristiano Lucarelli says joining Parma in a permanent move from Shakhtar Donetsk is “the best choice I could have made.”The striker put pen to paper on a contract this afternoon and was greeted at the Stadio Tardini by huge crowds.
“From a professional point of view, I think this is the best choice I could have made,” said Lucarelli.
“The Parma directors proved they were ready to make important financial sacrifices to have me in their squad. They have bombarded me with messages and phone calls since the start of December.”
The Italian international had also been linked with a return to his hometown club Livorno, but opted for fellow strugglers Parma.
“The President never showed the slightest hesitation or wavering. When I accepted, he flew to Ukraine, signed the cheque and left again.”
Lucarelli’s arrival is a massive boost to the side that is battling against relegation with 18 points from as many games, but the Ukraine season means he may not be ready to start this weekend.
“I played my last official game on December 4, then I trained with the ‘Armando Picchi’ amateur team in Livorno.
“Tomorrow I will work out my training programme with the technical staff. I would gladly step on to the field even at 15 per cent of my potential, but it is right that I earn my place with sweat and hard work. In a month I hope to be at the top of my form.”
The 32-year-old had gone to Shakhtar Donetsk so that he could play in the Champions League, but the club side crashed out of the competition in the first round and missed out on a UEFA Cup spot as well.
“I think I can talk positively about my experience in Ukraine. If we had not been eliminated from the Champions League then I probably would have stayed until June.
“In the current conditions I was unable to aim for one of my objectives, an Azzurri jersey for the European Championships. I am convinced my international chances depend on how I’ll play with Parma.”
Lucarelli has scored 105 Serie A goals in 246 appearances, but still has only six senior Italy caps under his belt.
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“First of all I want to ensure Parma stay in the top flight. I believe in the project illustrated by President Tommaso Ghirardi.”
The former Livorno star added that he hoped his previous record of 12 goals at the Tardini as an opponent would prove useful.
“This stadium has always brought me good luck. I hope the tradition continues.
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