Shakhtar Donetsk striker Cristiano Lucarelli has ruled out a return to Italy in January.

The former Livorno captain said: "I have said that I miss Italy, but that doesn't mean I have to go back. I believe I will be here in January and then we can clarify things with the club in the summer. Unless someone turns up with a bag full of cash!

"So far what I was told was going to happen is not happening. There are a series of reasons for my disappointment, but this is neither the time nor the place to discuss them.

"It would be satisfying to win the Ukraine title. It's not the same as winning in Italy, but it's an addition to my rather empty trophy cabinet.

"Our season ends on December 1, the last Champions League round is on December 4 and there is a Ukraine Cup competition. We will go for a few months touring warmer climates before the campaign starts again in March."