Mario Gomez has pledged his loyalty to Fiorentina, claiming 'it wouldn't make sense' to leave the club so soon.
The Germany international had been linked with a summer move away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi, following an injury-ravaged first season in Tuscany.
However, the striker admits that it was Viola or bust last year, while he is in love with Italian fan culture.
Mario Gomez has pledged his loyalty to Fiorentina, claiming 'it wouldn't make sense' to leave the club so soon.
The Germany international had been linked with a summer move away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi, following an injury-ravaged first season in Tuscany.
However, the striker admits that it was Viola or bust last year, while he is in love with Italian fan culture.
“I came here with a great desire. I said that if I didn't come here then I would stay at Bayern. For me, it wouldn't make sense to leave after playing just five games …” Gomez said at a Press conference today.
“I speak for myself and the team. The fans are always passionate and behind us. After Napoli, we were disappointed, but they saw that we did our best.
“I hope this will always be the case. During these times, it's really important if everyone is united.
“I've always fully believed that we aren't far from third place, but now is not the time to talk about it, there’s no use.
“Italy's a bit different to Germany, especially because the stadiums are all new in the Bundesliga. Here, the fans are more emotional and open.
“It would be a beautiful sight if Italian fans could take to grounds like those in Germany.”
Gomez failed to make Germany's World Cup squad in the summer, but he is backing his country's victorious individuals in their bid to be crowned this year's Ballon d'Or recipient.
“After the World Cup I was happy for them, but now I'm not thinking about the national team. When I'm in my best shape and score, everything else will follow,” he added.
“Now I'm only thinking about Fiorentina. It's very important for me to do well for them. I hope that some of my former teammates can win the Ballon d'Or, but it's hard because Messi and Ronaldo are always competing.
“Nevertheless, this year I think a German can win it. I say that it’ll be between Neuer and Ronaldo.”
Finally, the 29-year-old expressed polarising views on Angela Merkel, after the German PM described the attacker as 'fragile' in March, and former Bayern teammate Luca Toni, who he is preparing to face at the weekend, when Fiorentina travel to Verona in Serie A.
“Angela Merkel's an expert on football… She's been very supportive, but I never had any physical problems for seven years. I always look forward, but I can't change the past 12 months. I don't think that I'm fragile..
“When I think of [Toni] I always laugh. We only played together for a year, but he's an example for me, especially when things aren't going well. He's always positive and head-on.
“He taught me to stay calm and positive, even when there are difficulties.”