A FORMER Premier League footballer opened a new restaurant in the town centre on Friday.

Fabrice Muamba, who played for Bolton Wanderers, officially opened La Piazza in Nelson Square.

He was joined by his wife Shauna and a host of other guests including owner Rosario Latona.

Speaking about the opening Mr Latona said: “It was absolutely fantastic, everybody really enjoyed themselves.

“It was superb that Fabrice could come down, he seemed to really enjoy himself.”

Mr Latona, who also owns Leo’s in Horwich and Dolce Cafe in Blackburn Road, picked the town centre spot because he believed it had become neglected.

He said: “Nelson Square has become a bit neglected with everywhere opening up in the Market Place.

“What it needs is some investment and then it can regain all of its glory.

“We are hoping that by opening up here we will encourage other businesses to do the same.

“We want people to be coming in to the town centre.”

Mr Latona has opened the eatery with Forshaw Land and Property Group.

They hope to bring a taste of Italy to Bolton and said there is not currently anything like that in the town.

The 47-year-old said: “We already have two popular businesses in Bolton so we know what the people of Bolton like. We want to bring high quality Italian and Mediterranean food to Bolton.

"There is not anything like this here at the moment.

“In the summer we want to put tables outside, we are hoping to bring a taste of the Amalfi Coast to Bolton.”

The restaurant is the latest addition to the square that has seen many changes in recent years.

In 2013, the former Pack Horse pub, which occupies the same block as the restaurant, was converted into luxury accommodation for students from the University of Bolton.

The building has 108 en-suite rooms, as well as a gym and a common room with table tennis, football tables and a big-screen video projector.

The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday 9am until 10pm and Sunday 9am until 9pm.