Bianchi pining for Italy

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Bianchi, signed from Reggina in the summer, has struggled to make an impact at Eastlands and admits he is finding it hard to settle.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I am learning the language but I have raised the white flag with English food. I don't like it."

Asked about the perceived drinking culture in English football, Bianchi said: "I think I am the only teetotaller in the whole Premier League. My teammates were surprised when I refused a mouthful of beer. They looked at me as if I was an extraterrestrial. Tastes are tastes, and I have chosen for some time - no beer, no wine, no alcopops."

English referees are too liberal, in the view of Bianchi.

"I have had to get used to the referees," said Bianchi. "Here it's hard for a striker. In Italy if a defender touches you the referee blows. In the Premier League you don't get a free-kick even if the defender runs you over. I am getting used to this new refereeing rhythm."

Not everything in Manchester displeases 24-year-old Bianchi who admits he feels affection for the supporters.

"They made a song just for me with the words of Volare by Domenico Modugno and it's good to hear that rising to the heavens in Italian," said Bianchi.

Bianchi, who has scored four Premier League goals this season, hinted he would return to Italy at the end of the season rather than January.

He said: "I want to be a top European striker. After 18 goals with Reggina last season I want to get into double figures in the Premier League. Then I will pack my bags and look for a new adventure. I would like to play for Atletico Madrid and also score 15 goals or so in La Liga."