The forward is presented: “I needed the right stimulus to return to Italy. I saw how this team plays and the desire of the whole city.”
Welcomed like a King, King Ciro. Anticipated as what he is: a prolific scorer, already at 201 goals in Serie A and setting his sights on the top of the Italian goalscoring charts and a return to the national team. This is Immobile, a free transfer from Besiktas, with a contract worth 2 million including bonuses. He arrives with the intention of providing his experience to teach Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga even more about scoring.
“The motivation that pushed me to come here? I needed the stimulus of returning to the Italian league, the pressure too – all incentives that I was losing or that had diminished. I wanted to complete my career this way. As soon as the opportunity arose, I accepted with enthusiasm because I saw how Bologna has played in the last two years and the desire of the people. I bring my experience to the service of the club and the group. I am sure we will have a great season together.”
“Was I looking for more pressure? Some players need to feel constantly watched to perform well. I know that at Bologna there isn`t this intense pressure, but the people care deeply about the team, and that`s enough for me.”
Asked about greeting fantasy football managers via social media, Immobile joked, “Well, I didn`t miss that in Turkey, it`s a job… Nobody has ever won the top scorer title five times in Italy. These are dreams that must be cultivated with work and mentality.”
Message to Gattuso and Personal Demands
The introduction was provided by Claudio Fenucci, the club`s CEO. “He is part of the present,” says the executive, “but also of the history of our football, among the best in terms of goals-per-game ratio among the top ten scorers. His profile seemed perfect for us, as we will face four competitions. The conditions for a great season together are all there.”
Immobile then continued: “Is the national team an objective I think about? Thinking about being able to play in a World Cup would be the culmination of a superb season with Bologna.” Asked if coach Gattuso has told him he`s being watched, Immobile replied, “Gattuso hasn`t called me yet, but everything will depend on what I do on the field. Did I ask anyone for advice? I didn`t do like Signori who called Baggio, but it was enough for me to watch Bologna many times to get to know everyone better. One thing is certain: I demand a lot from myself.”
Mentoring and Lazio Reunion
Immobile is ready to tutor Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga, two young players who are honing their goal-scoring skills. “Castro and Dallinga are good. We have four competitions, and I will follow their enthusiasm because you can always improve with that.”
Regarding former teammates, he mentioned, “Bernardeschi? We talked for the anniversary of winning the European Championship.” On his new coach Vincenzo Italiano, Immobile said, “I told him that from the outside, I noticed an exemplary team that cares about each other, and that`s what I liked most. Because from the project to the unity between the players and the city, something extra is always created.”
He insists he has “no revenge” to seek and has never spoken inappropriately in the media. “I feel great, I`m just thinking about playing. How will I feel when I meet Lazio? We did extraordinary things with Lazio. It will be an emotional moment; they are part of my life.”
Looking at objectives, he stated, “I have shared my experiences with my teammates. The Europa League takes more energy than the Champions League because you play on Thursdays and have to recover, but the important thing is that in the spring, we are still competing for something. Of course, we will play the Supercoppa in December.”
“Considering Bologna was two points away from the Champions League last year and then finished ninth shows there is equilibrium in the league. I expect a difficult season.” Asked about the Europa League final being in Istanbul, he concluded, “We will try. I would be lying if I said we shouldn`t think about it.”
