Taricco helped Town land Sixto

By DAVE ALLARD

MAURICIO Taricco, Ipswich Town's former Argentinian who was once a player of the year at Portman Road, helped Sixto Peralta decide that the Blues are right for him.

The 22-year-old Peralta, nicknamed Mumo, was paraded at a press conference yesterday after deciding to join from Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season.

This former Argentinian Under 21 international midfield man will be in the squad for tomorrow's home match with Charlton if his clearance comes through in time.

He spoke with Tottenham defender Taricco, and Town boss George Burley said: "Mauricio was a very, very good player for this club and I hope Mumo can do as well for us.

"He is a young player of great ability. At Inter Milan there are 50 to 60 professionals and his chances were limited there. At this club he will get a chance."

Peralta said: "I called Mauricio last week and he told me that Ipswich is a very good club and that it is a lovely town. He told me that Ipswch play good football and that it would suit my style."

The Blues loanee recruit says he knows plenty about his new club and the Premiership.

He explained: "The Premier League is always on the television in Argentina and in Italy. So I know all about Ipswich Town. Now I want to play in the Premiership."

Burley added: "I'm delighted to be able to sign a young player of this ability. We have an option to make the deal permanent and hopefully this will be the case."

Inter paid £2 million to Racing Club in Argentina for the goalscoring midfield man. He still has three years remaining on his contract in Italy.

Peralta holds and Italian passport so Town do not have to apply for a work permit.

Peralta, who has had a period with Torino on loan, continued: "The players in Italy are very professional and I learned a lot from playing there. Now all I am thinking about is playing in the Premiership."