Japan captain Hidetoshi Nakata is anxious to make a fresh start at Bologna following a frustrating spell with Italian rivals Parma.

With a six-month loan deal with Bologna formally announced on Friday, Nakata blamed a rift with Parma coach Cesare Prandelli for his decision to leave the cash-strapped club.

"I have decided to make a fresh start for the new year with a move to Bologna," Nakata said on his official website.

"Last season, I was being played out of position and still nothing has changed...even though the coach told me things would be different."

Ansa news agency said Parma could save 900,000 euros by loaning out Nakata -- welcome news as the collapse of the club's parent company Parmalat has left them urgently needing to off-load players in an attempt to slash their wage bill.

Nakata, who has failed to establish himself since joining Parma from AS Roma for $26 million in July 2001, has complained bitterly about playing in a defensive midfield role.

The 26-year-old has yet to complete a full match in 11 Serie A appearances this season.

"The way I want to play and the way I am being asked to play are different," said Nakata. "I apologise to the Parma fans."

Nakata will be reunited at Bologna with Carlo Mazzone, his former manager at Perugia, his first Italian club.

"Coach Mazzone was one of the biggest reasons for moving to Bologna," said the Japan captain.

"I spoke to him on the phone and he immediately put my mind at rest. He understands me as a player and as a person and I have absolute trust in him."

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Info minister: 'Opening up' for news, too ( 2004-01-05) +SARS case may have rat link ( 2004-01-05) +Vice-minister: We have our principle and bottom line ( 2004-01-05) +Cashing in on free trade ( 2004-01-05) +Official: No specific plan for Mars mission now ( 2004-01-05)		+Rockets clamp down on Jazz to win 84-63 ( 2004-01-04) +Mavericks run over Timberwolves 119-112 ( 2004-01-04) +Japan captain Nakata loaned to Bologna ( 2004-01-03) +Davis nets 22 as Hornets tops Raptors ( 2004-01-03) +SuperSonics beat Lakers 111-109 ( 2004-01-03)