Wednesday 28 January 2015 17:23, UK
Alberto Gilardino is determined to prove he can still cut it in Serie A after returning to Fiorentina on loan.
The 32-year-old striker has joined the Viola on loan from Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande until the end of the season.
The 2006 World Cup winner, who scored 59 goals for the Viola from 2008 until 2012, was presented to the Italian media on Wednesday.
He said: "I will turn 33 in July but I physically feel young and well. I left my heart in Florence and I experienced beautiful emotions here.
"It took me less than a second to decide my return to Fiorentina. Now I return after five years as though this was my first day.
"I am really enthusiastic and very motivated."
Fiorentina's deal includes an option to make Gilardino's move permanent at the end of the season.
"I will approach these six months with a lot of eagerness and motivation," he said. "I'm aware this spell is a door to the future and I would like to remain at this club after the summer."
Gilardino has been impressed with the quality of his team-mates, and believes Fiorentina have everything in place to enjoy a successful season.
"(Juan Guillermo) Cuadrado is a great champion and he makes the difference," he said. "(Khouma) Babacar has grown so much in the past few years and can do very well at Fiorentina.
"I saw (Mario) Gomez play at Bayern (Munich) and he is a great player."
Gilardino is aware he will face stiff competition to earn playing time with Babacar and Gomez being Vincenzo Montella's preferred choice in attack.
However, the former Genoa striker hopes he can give Montella a selection dilemma.
"It's good that there is competition within the squad," Gilardino said. "It improves the individuals but also the group.
"Fiorentina have a very good team and it's right that it has great players in every position.
"I hope I can earn playing time and help the coach and the team.
"I will try to be physically ready to play this weekend but it will be for coach to make the decision."
