Diego Cruciani will cut ties with Bangladesh for the second time inside one year's time with his head high, unlike his first departure that was under controversy.

The Argentine coach, who was not paid his last month's salary by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) which extended his one-year contract to guide the national team, is going out as Abahani coach on his will.

Cruciani joined Abahani in February this year but is leaving the club midway through their B. League campaign mainly due to pressure of the fans, the 43-year-old revealed this on Monday night confirming that he was not sacked by Abahani for bad performance.

Talking to reporters at the club tent, Cruciani mentioned he was frustrated to leave Abahani like this.

"Abahani built a strong team and spent huge amounts to win the

SEE PAGE 18 COL 2 FROM PAGE 20

inaugural professional league. My target was to take this team to their goal. It would have helped me heal the pain of failure with the Bangladesh national team," said Cruciani who led Bangladesh to the final of the SAFF Championship in Pakistan in December 2005 but lost to India.

The BFF let him go after a poor campaign in the SA Games in Colombo last year but Abahani officials formed their team under his guidance and finally roped him along with three Argentine players.

"Its painful to leave like this but I want Abahani to succeed. They are still on top. It had been a wonderful time with them. The accommodation and facilities were superb and there has been no problem in payment," said Cruciani, who leaves Dhaka for home tomorrow.

"The problem I faced was with the fans. They not only disturbed during training but also looked threatening inside the club tent," he complained.

"I think their behaviour also made impact on the officials, who were otherwise nice. I felt insecure

in this environment, that's why I wanted to leave.

He partially admitted the club's complaints against him of bringing poor players.

"When they told me to contact Argentine booters, it was January and almost all players were booked, I found these three and admit that Parodi has totally failed to meet the demand of a good striker the club had wanted. I have been blamed because I have brought them here."

Abahani will release Parodi and Mariano Sanchez at the end of their contract on May 16 but want to keep Mariano Caporale, an outstanding central defender.

Cruciani is expected to join Tblisi-based Georgian club Lokomotiv where he has signed a contract to work with his guru Cayetano Rodriguez.

"I am leaving but I might return again," said Cruciani with a laugh. "I have not completed my job here twice, but I could be third time lucky. If I ever return, it would for a club without big fan-base, like Muktijoddha."