German international expected to be unveiled later this week.
New signing Mario Gomez has revealed why he decided to join Fiorentina despite interest from England and Spain.
The 27-year-old admitted that he leaves Bayern Munich with a heavy heart after spending four successful years with the German giants, but is very much looking forward to the new chapter in his career.
It is understood he will join the Viola in a deal worth an initial €16m with an additional €4m in various bonuses, after scoring 112 goals in 172 games for the reigning champions of Europe.
Despite the likes of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid reportedly expressing interest in the star striker, he revealed that Vincenzo Montella’s style of football helped him make his decision.
“I have contrasting emotions, as I am leaving the strongest team in the world and cannot hide a certain nostalgia,” Gomez told the official Bayern Channel as reported by football-italia.net.
“I love football and wanted to play more, which is why I decided to leave. The contact with Fiorentina started some time ago and I was immediately struck by their very ambitious project.
“I preferred Italy to Spain and Fiorentina really impressed me. The Viola play such great football, I can’t wait to start.”
Montella and Fiorentina have earned plaudits across Italy over the past twelve months, and despite the heartbreak of missing out on the Champions League on the last day of the season last year, they have caught the imagination of many with their brand of football.
The Viola play possession football, and have constructed a squad blessed with numerous talented and technical midfielders that are sure to provide Gomez with plenty of opportunities next season.
They are expected to lose Stevan Jovetic this summer, but given the ambition that they are showing in the transfer market, they will hope for another successful season both in Serie A and in Europe.
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