Cristiano Lucarelli denies he’s heading back to Italy in January, but did admit he is in unhappy with Shakhtar Donetsk’s false promises.
“I have said that I miss Italy, but that doesn’t mean I have to go back. I believe I will be here in January and then we can clarify things with the club in the summer. Unless someone turns up with a bag full of cash!”
There have been strong rumours – fuelled by Livorno President Aldo Spinelli – that he is set to return to the Stadio Picchi mid-season.
Although Lucarelli was cagey over an immediate switch, he does confirm there are serious problems with this overseas experience.
“So far what I was told was going to happen is not happening. There are a series of reasons for my disappointment, but this is neither the time nor the place to discuss them,” he told Sky Italia television.
The hitman limped off during last night’s 3-0 defeat to Milan and there were fears he had picked up an injury that would rule him out of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland and the Faroe Islands.
“That depends on whether the Coach calls me! I went off because of cramp and also as I barely play more than 50-55 minutes in the domestic League, so it becomes difficult for me to do 90 minutes in the Champions League,” he said.
“In the opening 60-65 minutes in which we played in an Italian style, we held Milan level and were able to have some chances. When we conceded a silly goal, the spaces opened up and they ran riot.
“Milan did not rob anyone, but the 3-0 was a little harsh. We did not maintain that tactical set-up for the whole 90 minutes and were not clinical enough in attack.”
Lucarelli had harshly criticised Coach Mircea Lucescu’s all-attack system in the 4-1 defeat at San Siro a fortnight ago.
“Playing on the counter is a completely different approach for us, but we learned the lessons from the first leg and prepared much better for this game.”
Shakhtar look set to go head-to-head with Celtic for the second qualifying spot behind Milan, but failing that will most likely be in the UEFA Cup as third-place finishers.
“It would be satisfying to win the Ukraine title. It’s not the same as winning in Italy, but it’s an addition to my rather empty trophy cabinet.
“Our season ends on December 1, the last Champions League round is on December 4 and there is a Ukraine Cup competition. We will go for a few months touring warmer climates before the campaign starts again in March.”
