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Civelli Thanks Fans for Debut Reception - Ipswich Town News

New signing Luciano Civelli has thanked the Town support for the reception he received when he made his debut at Portman Road on Saturday. Meanwhile, Argentinian sources have revealed the terms on which the Blues can buy out Banfield's 50% sell-on.

Civelli, whose performance was one of the few positives which could be taken from Saturday's draw with Blackpool, told the club site: "The fans were magnificent for me. I have to say thank you. They gave me a great reception and it gave me a great lift.

"I thought I did quite well, but the important thing was the result and that was hard for the team. I hope that we can play better against Nottingham on Wednesday and win the game because it is very important.

"My fitness is quite good. I was pleased I lasted 70 minutes. I was a little tired then, but I think I will be 100% fit in one or two games."

The 22-year-old was disappointed not to net a debut goal in the first half: "Perhaps I should have scored, that would have been fantastic. The goalkeeper was out of position but there were so many opponents in the box and it was hard to get my shot past them. The next time maybe it will go in."

In Argentina, the controversy regarding Civelli's move to the Blues continues with Banfield chairman Carlos Portell under fire after his club claimed they had retained 50% of Civelli's economic rights rather than a 50% sell-on as is actually the case.

After director Eduardo Spinoza accused Portell of "murky manoeuvres", another director Alejandro Grigera has also slammed the deal and in doing so revealed the terms on which Town can buy out the sell-on: "The English club has the right to buy out Banfield's rights by paying $1.5 million [just over £1 million] before 30th August 2010, so they could pay that and then, two days later, sell him to Liverpool for $10 million."

The Blues paid Banfield just over £1 million for Civelli's signature with the midfielder signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

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