Endorsing mayoral candidate Rob Ford was a difficult decision, Giorgio Mammoliti says. (CBC)

Mayoral front-runner Rob Ford has won the endorsement of Giorgio Mammoliti, a former mayoral candidate and long-time political rival.

Mammoliti, who ended his run at the mayor's chair in July, announced his support for Ford Wednesday.

"There is only one [candidate] that I believe can come to the table and make the meaningful change that everybody is suggesting," he said in announcing he was backing Ford.

Mammoliti, who is still reoffering for council, believes Ford has tapped into the anger of Toronto voters.

Mammoliti said it was a tough decision to endorse someone he's traditionally battled. During a council debate in 2002, Mammoliti accused Ford of calling him "Gino boy."

And despite Wednesday's endorsement, Ford said, he won't be returning the favour.

Ford said he's already given $750 to the campaign of Nick Di Nizio, one of eight candidates challenging Mammoliti in Ward 7, York West.

Di Nizio accuses Mammoliti of jumping on Ford's bandwagon because recent polls suggest Ford is the most popular choice for mayor.

Mammoliti said he would be happy with any position a victorious Ford administration might offer him, but Ford said he has not made any promises to anyone.

The election is on Oct. 25.