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Mirco Antenucci explains snubbing significant Reading offer after Leeds exit

Leeds United's Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci celebrate after the match against Huddersfield (Reuters)
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Mirco Antenucci could have been lining up against Leeds United this season.

Leeds United's Mirco Antenucci shootsLeeds United’s Mirco Antenucci shoots

Italian striker Mirco Antenucci has discussed snubbing a significant offer from Reading last summer after leaving Leeds United as a free agent.

Antenucci, 32, scored 19 goals in two seasons for Leeds, during a dramatic spell under five different managers.

Speaking to Calciomercato, Antenucci told how he had an offer to stay in England with the Royals after his Leeds contract expired, but he had made up his mind to return to Italy.

He signed with Serie B side SPAL, where he has struck 12 goals already this campaign.

Antenucci said: “I had another significant [offer], from Reading, who are now fifth in the Championship, but I decided to go back.

“I wanted to go back to the B, I wanted the girls to go to kindergarten in Italy. It was a perfect choice, because it has fulfilled all my wishes.”

Leeds United's Mirco Antenucci has his shot saved by Fulham's Marcus BettinelliLeeds United’s Mirco Antenucci has his shot saved by Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli

He is leading a promotion charge himself with SPAL top of Serie B, but both Leeds and Reading could have done with him this season.

Leeds are in fourth place and Reading in fifth, and Antenucci could have made a significant improvement for either to help close the gap on the automatic promotion places.