Lupoli knew that time was right to move on

Arturo Lupoli claims a lack of motivation following Norwich City's recent managerial upheaval prompted his transfer deadline day switch to Sheffield United.

Arturo Lupoli claims a lack of motivation following Norwich City's recent managerial upheaval prompted his transfer deadline day switch to Sheffield United.

The Italian striker had found himself sidelined by former boss Glenn Roeder, who brought him to Carrow Road last summer on a season-long loan deal from Italian side Fiorentina. But it was the appointment of Bryan Gunn as manager last month which signalled the end for the 24-year-old, who scored five league and cup goals in 20 appearances for City.

“I spoke to the new manager and thought it was better for me to leave because of the situation,” he said. “It was not great for me.

“In football, you need motivation and I didn't see a lot of that there with the new situation after changing manager. It was better for me to change teams and fulfil my potential with the help of motivation which is vital in football.”

Less than two weeks after Gunn was named manager, Lupoli was on his way to Sheffield United, the least surprising move of City's January transfer market dealings.

“My aim is to play in the Premier League and this team is one of the best in this league,” he said. “Playing here, I will have plenty of chances to show my qualities and my potential.”

Lupoli scored on his Blades debut at the weekend, although they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Wednesday in the Steel City derby.