SASA Curcic has spoken of the bitter disappointment that sparked his controversial decision to quit Burnden Park.

Relegation from the Premiership was clearly something the Yugoslav international found too hard to take - a blow that eventually led to him walking out on Wanderers in a stunning eve-of-season transfer to Aston Villa.

He has since become a key figure in Villa's plans and, until now, has hardly taken a glance back at the club or the people he left behind.

But Curcic admits: "Bolton gave me the chance to prove myself in the English game.

"I will never forget what they did for me and I wish them all the best for the future."

He describes his £4 million transfer as "a dream come true" and, in glowing terms that will sound distinctly familiar to Bolton supporters, describes the Villa Park faithful as "the best supporters in England."

Currently top of the table and the highest scoring team in England, Wanderers are clearly not missing the skilful Serb they signed from Partizan Belgrade a year ago. But initially there was uproar when he was sold - a decision which, it transpired, was sparked by his own failure to handle relegation and his determination to stay in the Premiership.

He concedes the point, saying: "I was so sad when Bolton were relegated. That has to be regarded as my biggest disappointment in football so far.

"Before that, I had always been used to winning and had played for a massive club in Partizan Belgrade. Every year we would win a trophy and last season did the league and cup double. "Villa had a good time last year, challenging in all competitions all the way through and winning the Coca-Cola Cup but I think this side is good enough to win the title this year.

"I know people say things like that when they move to another club but it is my personal ambition and I genuinely believe we can achieve that this season.

"That would be tremendous because this is the best league in the world now with a lot of the best players all heading for England.

"If I can play well in a struggling team (Bolton) I hope I will learn and benefit from having so many great players around me."

Wanderers fans had high hopes that Curcic would lead them back, as he pledged, to the Premiership. But he admits now that he didn't fancy the First Division.

"I like the pressure and I like to have one of the main roles in the team," he says, "But I wouldn't like that pressure in the First Division - and it will be a similar situation this season with someone like Kinkladze.

"He may have problems in the First Division which does not have the quality of the Premier Division.

"They play it very tough and physically at that level. He is a star man at Manchester City and the expectations will be great - but you can't do it on your own."

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