Reaction from Bugno to signing a two-year deal
Italian defender Alessio Bugno sported the biggest grin in Cumbria this morning as a month's work of hard work on the training pitch and in the friendly fixtures came to fruition with the offer a two-year deal which keeps him at Brunton Park until the summer of 2014.
The determined left back earned comparisons with former-Blues favourite Zigor Aranalde as he left the pitch to a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half of the game against St Mirren last Friday night, and he was quick to admit that the response to his performance from the terraces was the stuff dreams are made of.
He said: "The way the fans reacted was amazing. It's always a good sign if you hear that and all I will do is try to do my best for the fans, for the team and for me."
And on how he felt when the manager told him a deal was on the table, he added: "I just feel very happy. This is one of the best days of my life.
"When I came over I hoped that I would be able to do enough to stay and, after a month, we have got there. It's the first step for me with playing football over here and I hope to stay for a long time.
"I decided to come over from Italy because I wanted a new challenge and a new experience. I think English football is the best in the world at the moment and I wanted to play here if I possibly could. It's fantastic that this has happened for me.
"I am moving away from my home but I have spoken to my friends and family a lot about it and that has helped me to make the decision to do this. I am now just really looking forward to this new challenge.
"My English is bad but I'm working hard to improve it and the good thing is I have two years to try and make it better. It's a little bit cold and wet as well ... but I'm sure I'll get used to it."
United Player subscribers can see a video interview with Alessio Bugno later today. For more information on United Player, and to subscribe, click HERE.