“I’m sorry” – Former Manchester City striker admits regret over injury-hit Etihad Stadium career | OneFootball

Valeri Bojinov has expressed regret over an injury-hit spell at Manchester City, admitting he was unable to perform at his best during a pivotal period for the club.

Bojinov joined City in 2007 in a £5 million move from Fiorentina shortly after a loan spell at Juventus. Known for direct running and eye for goal in Italy, he was believed to be one of the best attacking players to come out of Serie A.

His move happened just before a significant transformation at the Etihad Stadium when, in 2008, Manchester City’s recruitment boom began with the high-profile signing of Robinho and continued with the hiring of Roberto Mancini as head coach.

The goal was focussed on closing the gap to local rivals Manchester United and making Manchester City one of the best teams in the Premier League. However, Bojinov found himself caught in the early stages of that transition.

In three seasons, the Bulgarian only played in 12 games in all competitions, as two significant setbacks impeded progress and made it difficult for him to get a spot in a team that was evolving quickly.

Leaving for Parma in 2010 for a much lower fee, his time in the Premier League was largely unsuccessful. Now, speaking to Chiamarsi Bomber – as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Bojinov reflected candidly on that period. “It wasn’t great because I had two serious injuries.

“It was a very serious club, and it was already said they’d win the Premier League within a couple of years. In their first year, they brought in Robinho, and then with Mancini’s arrival, they became great. Their goal was to bring City to the level United were at the time.”

As investment in the club’s sporting project increased and expectations spiked, players who suffered recurrent fitness issues had fewer chances. For Valeri Bojinov, the frustration remains evident.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to perform at my best because of injuries,” he admitted. “That’s okay, I’m happy to have played in Serie A, especially because the warmth and passion of the fans is unmatched anywhere else in the world.”

He went further in comparing his experiences across leagues, “In England, you’re one of many, while in Italy, the fans make you feel important even when you make a tackle. Personally, I would never trade the Premier League for Serie A.”

While many often perceive his time in Manchester as a lost opportunity, Valeri Bojinov’s career in Italy earned him greater recognition and respect. At Parma, he made 64 appearances and scored 11 goals.

He had previously scored 11 times in 41 matches for Fiorentina and earned respect at Juventus during their season in Serie B, scoring 7 goals in 21 games at a time when many of their best players had left.

Looking back, Bojinov’s time at Manchester City represents an unfortunate situation rather than a bad decision, arriving just before a revolution, but failing to contribute meaningfully to help it.