Alberto Gilardino says he had other offers but that Fiorentina were his first choice, whilst he welcomes competition for places.
The World Champion was today presented to the media having completed a loan move to Florence, for what will be a second spell with the team he left in 2012.
“Three years ago changing was the right choice because a cycle had come to an end for me and for other players as well,” Gilardino explained on his original departure.
Alberto Gilardino says he had other offers but that Fiorentina were his first choice, whilst he welcomes competition for places.
The World Champion was today presented to the media having completed a loan move to Florence, for what will be a second spell with the team he left in 2012.
“Three years ago changing was the right choice because a cycle had come to an end for me and for other players as well,” Gilardino explained on his original departure.
“I'm coming back with great enthusiasm and determination, and I look to face this adventure as though this were my first day.
“As a club I've seen some great changes in Fiorentina, in terms of how the club is managed and in their sports centre.
“The 'little pitches' are innovative and first-class. A young and a mature player alike can expect to improve himself and play at the highest levels here.
“Every experience makes a man more mature. I still feel very young and physically in a great shape. I've seen Fiorentina over these four months, they play some great football.
“I was enthusiastic about coming back here for the passion and the beautiful football that you can find.”
Gilardino was also asked about his new teammate Mario Gomez, who has been struggling with form in his time at Fiorentina but who is now back to scoring goals.
“I'm happy for him and for his goals. I've seen him play both in Germany and here. It's never easy when you go play abroad, especially when you come to Italy. Gomez is a great player, I'm sure he'll score a lot of goals from here to the end.
“I've been training with the team for four days. In these months I have been preparing on my own with a personal trainer, but physically I'm feeling fine.
“I want to forge my own space in this Fiorentina so I can be decisive when the Coach calls on me.
“There's competition but that's a good thing for the team. I’ve had experience where there have been five or six forwards playing for the one spot.
“And it's good that Fiorentina should have great players in all departments. For my own part, I'll give my utmost availability.
“Over the last few days I had some offers, then Fiorentina called me and I didn't think of it twice, I said yes. Florence represents a great challenge to me, while China made for a different experience.
“I feel ready and motivated. These six months could really open up the future for me. Staying in Florence for life? We'll see in June…
“China really was different. I got there in July and playing in those temperatures is really tough. It took a month for me to get used to it.
“It was a beautiful adventure for me and for my family too. Those months were fast and intense.”
Delio Rossi commented last week that the decision to move Gilardino on in 2012 was because ‘his light had gone out’.
“I don't like to speak about that. Those who love me know what I've done for this shirt in terms of numbers.
“I believe I left good memories and this is where I want to start again from, and not from words. Now it's time to work hard.”
Image via @acffiorentina