Alessandro Diamanti targeted the blame for Bologna’s relegation and insisted playing in China didn’t ruin his World Cup chances.

The creative midfielder left Bologna for Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande in February and is not included in Italy’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad.

Alessandro Diamanti targeted the blame for Bologna’s relegation and insisted playing in China didn’t ruin his World Cup chances.

The creative midfielder left Bologna for Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande in February and is not included in Italy’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad.

“I don’t think being in China had anything to do with that. I believe Cesare Prandelli made a tactical choice,” Diamanti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I left in a very strange situation, as I found out Guangzhou wanted me on December 26 and Bologna alerted me on January 4.

“After turning down so many clubs over three years, for the first time I said I’d like to try this new international experience with my family. I was also attracted by the economic package, I’m no hypocrite.

“On January 24 the negotiations terminated and for me the matter was over. I continued doing what I had always done with great professionalism. It was said that I already knew I’d leave and was thinking about Guangzhou, but that isn’t true.

“After my last game with Udinese, Coach Davide Ballardini said everyone should be as professional as me. I never asked to leave, made threats or threw tantrums, because that isn’t my style.”

President Albano Guaraldi claimed on February 4 that Diamanti was pressuring the club to be released.

“I was training that day, then heard about the pure inventions of the President. I hadn’t spoken to anyone at the club since January 31, but then heard Guaraldi had sealed a deal on February 4 to help Bologna’s finances. It was his tactic.

“The blame for relegation falls to everyone, but above all the club and Guaraldi. Every year he sold their best players, gradually impoverishing the squad and asking for advice from the wrong people. His personal advisor is a journalist who runs a radio station for fans, so at that point it’s likely you’re going to get relegated.

“Bologna need to rediscover their enthusiasm and that is never going to happen with Guaraldi. The fans showed how you really support and have faith in a team, so they are the only winners. I cheered on Bologna from China in the last three months.”

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