Only details prevented Mark Bresciano from joining Manchester City and he feels that contributed to "the worst year of my career."
The Australian international had agreed personal terms with Sven Goran Eriksson’s side in the summer, but the deal collapsed when City refused to pay upfront, insisting on completing the £5m transfer in instalments.
“It was tough to recover from that psychologically, because everyone – including myself – was convinced I would go to City and instead it all crumbled.
“When I managed to get myself focused, I didn’t play very much because of physical problems, but my motivation was never lacking.”
Bresciano was as disappointed as anyone by the dismal Palermo campaign, as contenders for a Champions League spot ended up only narrowly avoiding the relegation battle.
“This has certainly been the worst year of my career. However, difficult campaigns are the ones that help you grow. It has been a strange season for myself and the team.”
Yet the 28-year-old Australian is not taking a summer transfer away from Sicily for granted.
“I have been happy in Italy and Palermo, so there is no other place I would prefer to be,” he insisted.
“There’s nothing to say I have to leave. I must talk to the club and see if there are any concrete offers. Let us say that at the moment I am 50 per cent sure to remain with the Rosanero.”
