Kuqi "Surprised" To Leave

Although personally I have to admit that the fact Shefki Kuqi moved on from Ewood Park on transfer deadline day didn't surprise me, it appears that it did him.

After signing a three-year deal with Crystal Palace for an undisclosed amount, thought to be £2.5 million, the Finnish striker said:

"In one way, I was surprised when I heard Blackburn were allowing me to leave"

"Palace had been chasing me for a long time, but Blackburn had said consistently that they didn't want to sell me, but then they changed their mind,"

I say I wasn't surprised to see Shefki leave on deadline day, but if I am totally honest I have to admit I was shocked at how late the move came. Despite the summer arrivals and his chances being limited I still felt that maybe he could still be around until at least January. He also said:

"But I never thought I had to leave when Blackburn signed Benni McCarthy. I never worry about who else is in the squad because I always believe in myself."

Kuqi, who scored seven goals in fifteen starts, is sure that he still has what is needed to make it in the Premiership, feeling certain this will happen with Palace, and sooner rather than later:

"I believe I will be back in The Championship for one season only. Palace have the strongest squad in the league and I'm quite sure we can get ourselves back into The Premiership this time."

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