PAUL Dickov today explained his reasons for quitting Blackburn Rovers and admitted the chance to rejoin Manchester City was simply too good to turn down'.
The 33-year-old striker, who recently left Blackburn on a free, was due to be unveiled as Stuart Pearce's latest signing at a press conference this morning after he shook hands on a two-year deal last night.
And although the Scotland international is thrilled to be returning to the club he served with great distinction for six years during the 1990s, he admitted he was sad to be leaving Rovers after enjoying being part of manager Mark Hughes' Ewood revolution.
Speaking exclusively to the Evening Telegraph, Dickov said: "I'd like to thank the fans and everyone at Blackburn for the way they've treated me.
"I had a great two years at the club but the pull of going back to Manchester City, the club I support, was just too good to turn down in the end.
"Blackburn offered me a great deal to stay but as soon as I knew City were interested in signing me, that's where I told my agent I wanted to go.
"I was there for nearly seven years, I had a great time, and I built up a special relationship with the supporters.
"To be honest, I never wanted to leave in the first place so I feel as though I've got some unfinished business.
"I'm just lucky I've been given a second chance to go back."
Dickov was offered a new two-year contract by Rovers towards the end of last season but, after a great deal of soul searching, the feisty forward decided to reject that and four other offers from clubs in the Premiership and abroad in favour of a switch to City, a club he regards as his spiritual home.
"There's a lot more to it than just the football side of things," said Dickov, who scored 17 goals in 61 appearances for Rovers.
"I'm not going there because I think I've got a better chance of first team football; I know there's nowhere in the Premiership where you are guaranteed a starting place.
"I'm going there because it's Manchester City and the club has a special place in my heart.
"Money wise, I could have earned more by going to another club, but I've never been money motivated.
"I want to be happy in what I'm doing and just get on with playing my football."
Signed by Graeme Souness for a bargain £150,000 fee in the summer of 2004, Dickov quickly became a crowd favourite at Rovers, earning the respect of the fans and his team-mates with his whole-hearted approach.
In his first season, he scored 10 goals often playing up front on his own to finish the campaign as the club's top scorer.
And although he wasn't quite as prolific in his second term, he still played a vital part in helping the club to a top six finish and a place in Europe.
Reflecting on his time at Rovers, Dickov said: "I've got nothing against anyone at Blackburn.
"In fact, the first person I phoned up when I made my decision was Mark Hughes.
"I've probably learnt more under him in the last two years than I have at any previous point in my career.
"The club I'm leaving is totally different from the one I joined.
"In the last two years, Blackburn have made massive strides under Mark and the fact they are now in Europe is going to be a big pull when it comes to attracting players, so I can't see why they can't go on to emulate what they did last season - and maybe do even better!
"I really loved my time there. It's a great club."
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