PHOTO: AFP
MILAN:
Chinese-owned club Parma have returned to Italy's Serie A, securing a third successive promotion after being dumped into the fourth division following a series of financial crisis which led to bankruptcy.
The club from the historical town in Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region sealed second place behind Empoli in Serie B after a 2-0 win at Spezia while rivals Frosinone could only draw 2-2 against Foggia.
"I feel an extraordinary satisfaction for what these guys have done," said coach Roberto D'Aversa. "We made history, no one had ever managed to get to Serie A in this way."
Chinese businessman Jiang Lizhang took over the Italian club last year after it was promoted to the second tier.
"It's a kind of magic," said Lizhang, who also owns Spanish club Granada and has a five percent stake in NBA team Minnesota Timberwolves.
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"Great Parma!" tweeted Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon who started his footballing career with the club and on Saturday prepares for his 640th and final Serie A game with champions Juventus.
Parma had been declared bankrupt in 2015 and demoted to Serie D.
"After the crash I promised this team that I would bring it back to its rightful place in Serie A. I have honored the commitment," said captain Alessandro Lucarelli.
Speaking about the finale Lucarelli added: "It can't be real, it's impossible. Nobody could have imagined a finale like this, not even in my wildest dreams, the others were celebrating, then we heard a huge cheer from the stands. I don't know what happened."
Parma were heading for the play-offs until the 89th minute, when Frosinone conceded a goal for a 2-2 draw with Foggia.
"This is a journey we started three years ago in front of these amazing fans," continued Lucarelli.
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