NAKATA EXPLAINS PARMA TRANSFER

The Japanese superstar quit Roma after their title triumph, seeking a new challenge at Ennio Tardini.

"Why did I choose Parma?" he stated at a press conference. "They are a team that I am interested in, that I appreciate.

"Even if Roma won the title and Parma finished fourth, I think there are not many differences.

"Even here, I can fight for the title. But, basically, I think that I will play more here.

"This is the most important reason why I left Roma."

Nakata feels next season will be the most important campaign of his life, ahead of the World Cup finals in the Far East next summer.

"The money is not important," he declared. "Only to play is important.

"This could be the most important season in my life. I will play in the Champions League for the first time, and then the World Cup.

"I don't know things about Parma. I only arrived yesterday evening from Los Angeles. But the town is very similar to Perugia, it is quiet and I like this very much.

"I don't know the players, only Rinaldi, and even him arrived now from Roma. And I have not had time to speak with Ulivieri."

President Stefano Tanzi commented: "Maybe Nakata is not the biggest name but he is the ideal player for Parma.

"We were interested in him since he played for Perugia but Roma arrived on the scene before us.

"With him, many Japanese people will arrive here so this could be the right time to build a bigger stadium!"