Miccoli has also played for Fiorentina and Juventus

Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli has turned down the chance of a summer move to Birmingham City.

The 30-year-old was the subject of a reported £5m bid from Birmingham but has said he does not want to make a switch to the Premier League.

"I waited before talking because I wanted to evaluate it with my family. I have made up my mind to stay," he said.

"This is the biggest decision of my career. My head was telling me to accept but my heart was telling me no."

Miccoli said he received the offer of a four-year contract from Birmingham, who finished ninth in the Premier League last season in their first campaign back in the top flight.

He attracted the club's attention after scoring 19 goals last season as Palermo battled it out for a place in the Champions League, only to lose out to Sampdoria on the final day of the season.

Palermo will, however, take part in next season's Europa League and Miccoli said a meeting with club president Maurizio Zamparini persuaded him to stay in Sicily.

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"Just a glance into his eyes was enough for me to decide," added Miccoli.

"Furthermore, I am the captain and I sent the contract (from Birmingham) back because I want to stay here, in this team.

"I have done a lot to get back into Europe with Palermo and now I want to enjoy the Europa League in a Palermo shirt.

"I would like to start by thanking Birmingham for the offer because to receive an offer like this, despite having just had an operation on torn cruciate knee ligaments, was unexpected."

Miccoli, who has 10 caps for Italy, has been at Palermo for the last three years, scoring 40 goals in 86 appearances.

In April, he was revealed as the mystery buyer of an earring seized from Argentina manager Diego Maradona as part payment for his tax arrears.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have already signed goalkeeper Ben Foster from Manchester United this summer as well as giant Serbian striker Nikola Zigic from Spanish side Valencia.

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