Cardiff City F.C. have announced the signing of former Manchester United forward Federico Macheda on a three-year deal, according to the club’s official website, Cardiffcityfc.co.uk.
Macheda, 22, will officially join the Bluebirds on 1 July as the club’s third signing of the summer transfer window, joining Guido Burgstaller and Javi Guerra at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The 22-year-old striker, who impressed during his loan spells at Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers last term, worked with Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United and confirmed the Norwegian played a pivotal role in him signing for the Championship side.
“It’s a massive opportunity for me and it is with thanks to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that I am here,” Macheda said.
“He played a big part of my decision and I’m really looking forward to starting this season.
“Last season I had a good spell on loan at Birmingham City, but this is a new chapter of my career now and I can’t wait to get started and show everyone who I am.
“Knowing Ole, he wants to get back into the Premier League as soon as possible and the recent signings show that.
“I’m here for the same reason. I feel that this is a great team and if we can have a good season and work hard then we can go straight back up.”
The Italy Under-21 international joined the Red Devils’ youth system from Lazio in 2007 — making his debut in the infamous 3-2 title-deciding thriller against Aston Villa in April 2009.
After bursting onto the scene with a dramatic injury-time winner, Macheda slowly but surely fell out-of-favour at Old Trafford and will start a new chapter in his career with the Bluebirds next term.
Mitroglou coy on future
Fulham F.C. record signing Kostas Mitroglou has refused to fuel speculation regarding his long-term future at Craven Cottage following the club’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
The Greece international, 26, left Greek champions Olympiacos for Fulham in a deal believed to be worth £12 million in January but failed to establish himself as a regular starter after a number of niggling injuries.
Mitroglou, who will feature for Greece at this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, went on to make just three appearances for the Cottagers and has been tipped for a quickfire exit from West London.
“I do not want to talk about next season,” said the Greek striker.
“I prefer to stay committed to the national team and the big summer ahead.
“It is a big honour to play in a World Cup and I want to be committed to this feast of football.”
