Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov says he was forced to leave Fiorentina after falling out with sports director Pantaleo Corvino.

"Why did I leave Italy? Because of Corvino," he insisted. "I was told that I had to sign a new contract or I would be frozen out of the squad.

"I had a very good relationship with Coach Cesare Prandelli. I'm just sad that they chose to treat me like that because at the moment they have Tomas Ujfalusi whose contract is about to run out.

"At Juventus I was shut out and then they signed a great player like Vincenzo Iaquinta. Then in England I found a boss who had faith in me in Sven Goran Eriksson."

Sadly, Bojinov's misfortune with injury has continued and he is facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage in his first full start for the club in August's Manchester derby.

"When will I return? Doctor Paolo Mariani has said that it will be before Christmas."