Hakan heads to Parma
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Article summary
Turkey striker Hakan Sükür has left Internazionale FC for Parma AC.
Article body
Transfer agreed
Troubled spell in Milan
The switch will see Hakan return to first-team action after falling out of favour under Héctor Cúper at Inter. Hakan, a pivotal figure in Galatasaray SK's UEFA Cup-winning side two years ago, made 24 appearances for Inter in Italy last season and scored five goals. However, he has not started a match this season.
'A big honour'
Hakan admitted he was flattered by the interest of Arrigo Sacchi, Parma's director of football, and decided he could not wait any longer as he looks to rediscover his form ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. "Arrigo Sacchi wants me and that is a big honour," he said. "I want to play and at Inter there is no chance."
Major boost
The news comes as a major boost for Parma who, despite their progress to the fourth round of the UEFA Cup, are embroiled in a battle against relegation from Serie A. Hakan said: "They are one of the biggest clubs in the Italian league and I am sure I can help them climb away from the bottom."
Successive victories
Former Italy coach Sacchi returned to Parma last month following Daniel Passarella's short reign, which resulted in five straight defeats. Sacchi's appointment alongside coach Pietro Carmignani has helped Parma pick up successive victories against AC Fiorentina and AC Venezia, two of their chief relegation rivals.
