German international greeted by thousands of fans at the Artemio Franchi.
New Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez has revealed that Bayern coach Pep Guardiola advised him to join the Viola, as he was officially unveiled by his new club.
The 27-year-old was presented to thousands of supporters who turned out to greet him at the stadium on Monday evening, and gave his first interview as a Fiorentina player after signing a contract with the club.
Un assaggio di #Firenze per Mario! Vamoooooos @ACF_Fiorentina !! pic.twitter.com/sZR4EdQTYN
— ACF Fiorentina (@ACF_Fiorentina) July 15, 2013
It is undoubtedly an exciting time in Florence as coach Vincenzo Montella continues to assemble a talented squad that may well be capable of challenging domestically and in Europe over the next few years.
Gomez is arguably the biggest name to arrive thus far, and he revealed why he chose to join the Viola despite having offers from elsewhere in Italy and in Spain.
“Hello guys, I am now in Florence and I am very happy,” he began in Italian before switching to German.
“I will try to learn Italian as soon as possible, so it will be easier to do the interviews. Already when I was in Germany I could feel the enthusiasm that is here in Italy for football. When I realized that for me it was time to leave Bayern possibilities were Spain and Italy. I chose Florence also for the passion and energy of the fans,” he added as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Gomez went on to discuss Guardiola’s influence on his decision, and in doing so revealed how well thought of Fiorentina are becoming on the European stage.
Montella earned plaudits across Italy last season not only for helping the club to the brink of securing Champions League football, but also for the style of football he has adopted since taking over.
Having packed the squad with talented and technical midfielders such as David Pizarro, Alberto Aquilani and Borja Valero, coupled with the likes of Giuseppe Rossi and Adem Ljajic, the Viola have a promising future ahead.
“I’m curious to experience a new challenge after winning everything with Bayern,” Gomez continued.
“Guardiola also advised me about Fiorentina, because they play good football that suits me in attack. The city is fantastic and had a weight in my choice, but for me it’s more the competitive aspect.
It will now be over to Gomez to deliver on the pitch, as he hopes to help the Florentine club break into the top-three in Serie A.
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