Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda says that he wants to return to the Premier League by getting promotion with Cardiff this season.
The Italian moved on a permanent basis to Cardiff last January. Even though the departure of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer threatened to disrupt his season once again, he has been able to establish himself as first choice player under new boss Russell Slade. The 23-year-old has been able to feature in 12 league matches this season and he has three goals. Even though his goal return has not been spectacular, it has been enough to keep Cardiff in the mix for a play-off spot.
They are 12th in the table going into the match with Reading on Saturday, but they also only five points away from the final play-off spot. With more than two thirds of the season remaining,Macheda appears confident that the club can rediscover the form that got them promoted to the Premier League two years ago.Macheda has recently been going through a good run of form recently. He scored one of the goals in the 3-1 win over Leeds United. He has set a personal target of reaching 15 goals by the end of the campaign, which seems achievable given the good start he has made.
“Last season when I was at Birmingham and Doncaster, I scored 13 goals in four months.This season I’m playing with a better team and if the team keeps doing well, I’m sure I can get at least 15 goals.I don’t set myself a target because I always think about the team first. But I would be happy with 15.I think I’m close to being at my best. It’s been a great run and with our fans, the opposition seem to be a bit scared,” saidMacheda.