Pandiani not happy to be in Birmingham

New Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani has done little to endear himself to Blues fans by insisting he does not want to be in the city.

The Uruguayan international signed on loan for the Barclays Premiership club from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna just minutes before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Pandiani had fallen out of favour at the Riazor and did not enjoy a good relationship with manager Javier Irueta, and fired a parting shot at the under-fire coach.

The 28-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Rifle’, had been hoping to move to Serie A club Fiorentina, but instead ended up at St Andrews.

“I’m leaving Depor feeling very hurt,” he told Cadena Cope radio station.

“I hope I will not return. I wanted to go to Fiorentina but Deportivo – maybe on purpose – took time sending the fax, and I am in Birmingham – just where I didn’t want to be.

“After my declarations (where he criticised Irueta a few days ago) I was looking for a change of scene because I could see Irueta was trying not to play me,” he said.

Pandiani is expected to make his City debut in tonight’s Premiership clash at home to Southampton.