"CARDIFF CITY STRIKER TELLS RUSSELL SLADE HE WANTS TO STAY"

Cardiff City striker Federico Macheda tells Russell Slade he wants to stay despite admitting Italian interest

Thursday 9th July 2015

BY CHRIS WATHAN

The Bluebirds striker is determined to have a better season next year after failing to make a significant impact last term

Federico Macheda has admitted interest from Serie A clubs over a return to Italy – but the Bluebirds’ former Manchester United striker wants to stay at Cardiff City.

Macheda had been linked with Italian top-flight new boys Frosinone last month after six goals in South Wales in his first season at Cardiff City Stadium.

Now the 23-year-old has confirmed that there has been the possibility of heading back to his homeland this summer, yet has stressed he wants to remain in British football as he builds towards a new season under Russell Slade.

Macheda was signed on a free by former Old Trafford youth and reserve boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last May and despite struggling to impress with his performances managed a total of eight goals in 25 outings, including one stunning strike to help the side to victory at Rotherham.

Injuries and fitness hindered his hopes of an impact but the frontman has made it clear he is keen to carry on at Cardiff and improve on last year’s efforts under Slade.

“There has been some interest in Italy but I am not thinking of a return,” he told reporters in Italy having joined United as a teenager but tasting Serie A life with Sampdoria in a loan spell four years ago. “I want to stay in Cardiff because I want my future to be in English football. We have started our preparation and we are ready to do better than last season.”

Former Italy Under 21 international Macheda was at United for six years before his release last summer, struggling to make the breakthrough after an eye-catching arrival with a memorable winner against Aston Villa in 2009.

But he clearly still has a fondness for the Red Devils as he passed on advice to compatriot Matteo Darmian who is set to link up with Louis van Gaal’s side for the new Premier League campaign after Torino agreed a £14.4m deal for the right-back.

“Matteo must certainly expect great things when joining a world class club,” Macheda said. “I wish him all the best and feel he is ready for this adventure. Wearing the Red Devils’ shirt is certainly a big responsibility, because you feel this scary weight of history on your shoulders and realise it every time you pull the shirt on.

“Darmian has character and if he finds consistency then I am sure he’ll settle in very well. English football is much more physical & in his role it’s important to push forward as well as defend, but his characteristics already suit that.””

I also want Macheda to stay,quality striker,can score the goals

Give him the device and he'll score

I have to say, its refreshing hearing positive statements coming from various players in this pre season. It really does seem as if Slade is getting a team spirit going and the squad are enjoying working with him.

Great I like Macheda as well I rate him he knows where the net is needs to he was having a good spell then got injured which I think was the main problem for him last season but I think this season he will come good I'm glad he wants to stay.

I have to say, its refreshing hearing positive statements coming from various players in this pre season. It really does seem as if Slade is getting a team spirit going and the squad are enjoying working with him.

yes yes yes keep him slade hes quality and i think hes gonna shine this season i would go as far to say we are gonna struggle to keep hold of him the end of this season hes an awesome talent and will only get better....

I'd be happy to keep him as he's a natural in front of goals.
Just needs to put more effort in for me & show a little more desire on the pitch. He'd be an excellent all round player if that was the case.

Well if he wants to stay and have a better season it might help if he tried a bit harder, like occasionally actually jumping for a header. Words are easy and I really don't think that he has the application. I would get him out asap.

Well if he wants to stay and have a better season it might help if he tried a bit harder, like occasionally actually jumping for a header. Words are easy and I really don't think that he has the application. I would get him out asap.

Not all strikers are ball winners - he has pace and hits the target, so perhaps if we stop hoofing it, he might stand a chance to shine - he must have been really hacked off trying to be Kenwynne's apprentice.

Good to hear, I want him to stay, he would of scored more if he didn't get suspended and then injured when he came back.

Anyway I expect him to putting plenty in the back of the net season

I also want Macheda to stay,quality striker,can score the goals

Agree!

A fit, hungry Macheda with a point to prove could be a massive asset and almost like new signing for us this season!

Good to hear him being so positive on his desire to stay and fight for the Bluebirds!

I also want Macheda to stay,quality striker,can score the goals

Agree!

A fit, hungry Macheda with a point to prove could be a massive asset and almost like new signing for us this season!

Good to hear him being so positive on his desire to stay and fight for the Bluebirds!

Sven, thats all us fans ask for really, a player that wants to stay and fight for their place and try to make an impact and not just stay and take their unearned wages, it can only be very good for our club to have hungry players. I want him to stay and show us what he is really all about and I hope we play a system this season that will suit his type of play. Mr Slade it's over to you

In the right system he can be a huge asset

Well if he wants to stay and have a better season it might help if he tried a bit harder, like occasionally actually jumping for a header. Words are easy and I really don't think that he has the application. I would get him out asap.

Exactly, has ability but no guts....shits out of every 50/50 challenge absolutely no bottle...get rid of him

There is no doubt that he has some talent however he is so frustrating as he is by a mile the laziest player on the pitch week in week out.

He does not run off the ball, he does not jump off the ground for anything in the air and his ball touch is poor and 95% of the time he gives the ball away. I cannot see how he fits into Slade's plan of trying to construct a team of workers because Macheda for one makes no effort.

Would have been my first player to leave the club.

There is no doubt that he has some talent however he is so frustrating as he is by a mile the laziest player on the pitch week in week out.

He does not run off the ball, he does not jump off the ground for anything in the air and his ball touch is poor and 95% of the time he gives the ball away. I cannot see how he fits into Slade's plan of trying to construct a team of workers because Macheda for one makes no effort.

Would have been my first player to leave the club.

Even more lazy that Kenwyne?
I'm pretty sure that every time Kenwyne is on the pitch, my throat is about as sore as a nun squatting on a cactus.
There's something about Macheda that I like as a player but I can't quite put my finger on it. There's nothing about him that shouts out that he's a fantastic footballer though

There is no doubt that he has some talent however he is so frustrating as he is by a mile the laziest player on the pitch week in week out.

He does not run off the ball, he does not jump off the ground for anything in the air and his ball touch is poor and 95% of the time he gives the ball away. I cannot see how he fits into Slade's plan of trying to construct a team of workers because Macheda for one makes no effort.

Would have been my first player to leave the club.

Even more lazy that Kenwyne?
I'm pretty sure that every time Kenwyne is on the pitch, my throat is about as sore as a nun squatting on a cactus.
There's something about Macheda that I like as a player but I can't quite put my finger on it. There's nothing about him that shouts out that he's a fantastic footballer though

Macheda definitely edges it. Jones wins most balls in the air and holds the ball up well. Even though he was sparingly used last season he was the club's top scorer. The problem the club have at the moment due to his wages there are no takers. Jones over Macheda any day.

It would be boring expecting ALL of our players to be work houses and being a carbon copy of each other, our players have something different to offer. A majority of Macheda's goals for us were created by himself, so he doesn't need to 'flick balls on'

I really rate Macheda, I hope he stays he will score goals we all know that, is he fantastic player all round no and at times can be lazy yes, However, he knows where the goals are and we need a goalscorer he was just unfortunate with injuries this season.

Also people want ALF to be given a chance here. Silly! Macheda scored goals here, ALF didn't.

Put the ball to his feet and he will finish it!

Also people want ALF to be given a chance here. Silly! Macheda scored goals here, ALF didn't.

Agree. Alf fluffed his chance ,a fit macheda will score goals

Laziest player I've ever seen making a career out of one goal

he has talent, but he needs to buck his ideas up and start putting a shift in if he wants to get into our starting 11, let alone start making a name for himself.

i still think he'll leave and will be replaced by a 6ft + player from league one, or maybe lower championship if slade pulls a rabbit out of the hat.

I also want Macheda to stay,quality striker,can score the goals

Agree!

A fit, hungry Macheda with a point to prove could be a massive asset and almost like new signing for us this season!

Good to hear him being so positive on his desire to stay and fight for the Bluebirds!

Sven, thats all us fans ask for really, a player that wants to stay and fight for their place and try to make an impact and not just stay and take their unearned wages, it can only be very good for our club to have hungry players. I want him to stay and show us what he is really all about and I hope we play a system this season that will suit his type of play. Mr Slade it's over to you

If he wants to stay and fight for the cause then I say yes to that.He's got the goods and its nice to know we got a striker that isn't just looking to the next pay packet.