Sven Goran Eriksson concedes Rolando Bianchi's loan move was because 'he didn't settle with the football.'
Bianchi's loan move was purely for football reasons
Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has conceded that it was his style of football that led to Rolando Bianchi's return to Italy.
City spent £8.8million on the 24-year-old in the summer after his impressive form at Italian side Reggina saw him score 19 goals in 40 league starts.
Eriksson was convinced he could turn Bianchi into a Premier League star, but despite scoring on his debut for the club he has since struggled, sealing a loan move to Lazio this week.
Reports in Italy had suggested that Bianchi was unhappy with life in Britain, complaining about the food and the drinking culture.
Speculation
Despite the speculation Eriksson maintains that the only reason Bianchi joined the Italian side on loan until the end of the season was purely football related.
"We bought eight players in the summer, and seven of them settled in very, very well," said Eriksson.
"Bianchi had more difficulties doing that, mainly because of the way we play.
"The fact he didn't settle is nothing to do with the food. He ate in the canteen every day, and we have a Portuguese chef, and he's good.
"The only way he didn't settle was with the football, but I think he liked it here - I'm sure he did.
"All the boys liked him because he is well educated, and he never did any stupid things or anything like that.
Struggled
"It's just that he struggled a little bit with the way we played football."
Eriksson admits there is a possibility that Bianchi could return in the summer, but it is more likely that Lazio will sign him on a permanent basis.
He added: "With the agreement with Lazio, they have the right to buy him at the end of the season for a certain figure. That's the Italian way.
"They would never take a player on loan if they didn't have the right to buy him at the end of the season.
"They say they are building up the value of our player if he plays for them and then scores 15 goals this season. So we accepted that."
"But then he might come back, and if he does then good."
