"The event of my missed transfer to Manchester [City] counted a lot: it has been difficult to bounce back mentally because everybody, me included, was convinced I would move to City but it was cancelled," he told Palermo's official website.

"It has been a strange season for the team and for me as well. I have been happy here in Italy and at Palermo and I do not have a favourite destination to move to.

"I am not gone yet: I have to speak to the club and see if the offers are concrete. For the moment I have 50 percent of chances to stay with the Rosanero.

"No doubts it has been the worst year of my career."