Giampaolo Pazzini expressed his joy at the permanent move to Sampdoria and aimed a sideswipe at Fiorentina. “This club believes in me.”
The Under-21 international had demanded the transfer after he was pushed on to the Tuscan sidelines by the summer arrival of Alberto Gilardino.
“I am so excited,” grinned Pazzini after completing the move for £7m plus Emiliano Bonazzoli on loan.“I cannot wait to relaunch my career with this new adventure. We’ll have time tomorrow to explain better what is going through my mind.
“At the moment I just want to thank President [Riccardo] Garrone and Director [Beppe] Marotta from the bottom of my heart.
“They proved with their actions that they truly believe in me. I am so happy and want to thank everybody.”
The 24-year-old joins Antonio Cassano and Claudio Bellucci in the Sampdoria strike force and will wear the Number 10 jersey.
Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino explained why the deal had gone through so quickly.
“Pazzini wanted to test himself in another environment. We tried to connect his desires with our interests and I think we achieved that,” said Corvino.
“The negotiations were concluded in part last night and in part this morning. Pazzini was sold for 9m Euros plus Bonazzoli’s loan with an option to buy for 2.8m Euros.
“We are convinced that Bonazzoli can give us a hand to reach our objectives.”
The new arrival was also happy with the exchange and hopes to put his numerous injury woes behind him in Florence.
“I am here to prove I’m not finished,” declared Bonazzoli. “I already worked with Cesare Prandelli at Parma.
“The club, directors and Coach wanted me here with them and I did not hesitate for a second.”