Alessandro Diamanti says he can’t wait to play, and discusses his 'strange' career as he’s officially presented as a Fiorentina player.
The midfielder has joined the Viola from Chinese Super League, and returns to the club he played for on loan in 2002-03.
“I’m ready to go,” Diamanti assured as he was presented to fans and media.
“I’m happy and I can’t wait to play. I feel at my best, all I need is matches to get back up to speed.
Alessandro Diamanti says he can’t wait to play, and discusses his 'strange' career as he’s officially presented as a Fiorentina player.
The midfielder has joined the Viola from Chinese Super League, and returns to the club he played for on loan in 2002-03.
“I’m ready to go,” Diamanti assured as he was presented to fans and media.
“I’m happy and I can’t wait to play. I feel at my best, all I need is matches to get back up to speed.
“Basically I haven’t been here before, I only made three appearances in [Serie] C2, to be back here in the first team is an honour.
“I know the place, and even yesterday I felt good emotions at the stadium. To return as an important player is wonderful.
“I will get my head down and work as always. I’m from Prato, but I know this place well, you don’t need to tell me anything.
“Tuscany or China, it makes no difference, I’ll never give up. From the first minute until the 95th I’ll give everything until I’m spent. Playing here I’ll be the same as always.
“This is a major challenge for me. My career has been strange, but I like challenges.”
Diamanti’s ‘strange’ career has seen him play in England and China, in Serie C and at the European Championships, and the 31-year-old discussed his unusual path to Fiorentina.
“A couple of years ago I could have gone to a big team, but I chose to stay in Bologna. I’m a bit strange, but I got to a big team in the end.
“The best Diamanti has been seen in the last four or five years. In the Premier League I got eight goals from midfield in my first season with an average team.
“My time at Bologna was the best of my career in terms of consistency and goals.
“China? It was a beautiful experience, in footballing and cultural terms. The League was good, and a lot more difficult than you’d think with difficult temperatures.
“I haven’t learned Chinese, it’s impossible for me.”
image via @acffiorentina