Cristiano Lucarelli is delighted with his move to Parma.

The striker completed his switch from Shakhtar Donetsk yesterday and declared: "From a professional point of view, I think this is the best choice I could have made.

"The Parma directors proved they were ready to make important financial sacrifices to have me in their squad. They have bombarded me with messages and phone calls since the start of December."

The Italian international had also been linked with a return to his hometown club Livorno, but opted for fellow strugglers Parma.

"The President never showed the slightest hesitation or wavering. When I accepted, he flew to Ukraine, signed the cheque and left again."

The 32-year-old had gone to Shakhtar Donetsk so that he could play in the Champions League, but the club side crashed out of the competition in the first round and missed out on a UEFA Cup spot as well.

"I think I can talk positively about my experience in Ukraine. If we had not been eliminated from the Champions League then I probably would have stayed until June.

"In the current conditions I was unable to aim for one of my objectives, an Azzurri jersey for the European Championships. I am convinced my international chances depend on how I'll play with Parma."

Lucarelli has scored 105 Serie A goals in 246 appearances, but still has only six senior Italy caps under his belt.

"First of all I want to ensure Parma stay in the top flight. I believe in the project illustrated by President Tommaso Ghirardi."