Paraguayan striker heads for Italy.
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Former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has decided to turn his back on a move to Germany by deciding to link up with Serie A side Bologna instead, Sky Sports reports.
The 31-year-old has spent the previous two seasons in Spain with Real Betis and Malaga respectively and had widely been expected to return to Germany upon completion of his contract with City.
Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke had all been rumoured to be monitoring his situation, but he has decided to open up a new chapter in his career by joining the Serie A side instead.
“We are one step away from a positive solution,” he told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“I think the talks with Bologna will have a positive ending. I have every confidence there will be no major problems.
“I have already told the German club (that were interested) that my first choice is Bologna.
“I like their offer and the economic aspect is not essential for me. I’m more interested in the way of life for me and my family, and Bologna is a beautiful city.
“I’ve also had an offer from Turkey, but I have chosen Italy and I hope a deal will be closed in the next few hours.”