Italian football is abuzz with the return of one of its most prolific strikers. Ciro Immobile, the veteran marksman with 201 Serie A goals to his name, has officially joined Bologna FC. The move, a free transfer from Besiktas, includes a reported 2 million euro package in salary and bonuses, signaling a significant coup for the Rossoblù as they prepare for a demanding season across multiple fronts.
The Drive to Return
Immobile`s presentation in Casteldebole revealed the clear motivation behind his decision. “I needed the right stimulus to come back to Italy,” he stated, highlighting the desire to experience the unique pressures and challenges of Serie A once more. He confessed these factors had somewhat diminished during his time abroad. The decision was made with enthusiasm after observing Bologna`s style of play over the past two seasons and sensing the palpable passion of the city`s fanbase. “I want to complete my career in this manner,” he added, eager to lend his vast experience to the club and the squad.
Addressing the notion of pressure, Immobile was candid. “Some players need to feel constantly watched to perform well.” While acknowledging Bologna might not have the same intense scrutiny as some bigger clubs, the genuine passion of the fans is enough for him. And for those wondering about the lighter side of his return: yes, he missed the world of Italian fantasy football, playfully calling it a “job” that was absent in Turkey. On a more serious note, he set an audacious personal target: “Nobody has ever won the top scorer title five times in Italy. These are dreams that must be cultivated with work and mentality.”
Mentorship and Collective Ambition
Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci introduced Immobile not just as a player for the present, but a figure intertwined with Italian football history, noting his impressive goals-to-game ratio among the league`s elite scorers. Fenucci deemed Immobile`s profile “perfect” for a club gearing up for four competitions. “The premises for a great season together are there,” he affirmed.
Immobile embraces a mentoring role for younger strikers like Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga. “Castro and Dallinga are good players,” he noted, understanding that the demanding schedule will require contributions from everyone. He plans to feed off their youthful enthusiasm, recognizing that continuous improvement stems from it. He hasn`t followed the legendary path of seeking advice from predecessors like Signori consulting Baggio; observing Bologna`s play was sufficient insight for him. One thing is certain: “I demand a lot from myself.”
Past, Present, and Future Goals
The topic of the Italian national team inevitably arose. Playing in a World Cup remains a significant objective, one he sees as a potential culmination of a “super season” with Bologna. Coach Gattuso hasn`t been in touch yet, but Immobile knows the path lies squarely on his performance on the pitch. Discussing Bologna`s team spirit, he praised the unity he observed from afar – the connection between the project, the players, and the city, which he believes creates “something extra.”
There are no feelings of needing “revenge” from his past experiences; he feels fit and focused solely on playing. The prospect of facing his former club, Lazio, will undoubtedly bring “important emotions,” recognizing it as a major chapter in his life.
Looking ahead to the season`s objectives, Immobile shared his experience with teammates. He highlighted the energy drain of the Europa League compared to the Champions League due to the Thursday-Sunday schedule. Nevertheless, the crucial goal is for Bologna to still be competitive across various competitions come springtime, with the Supercoppa already slated for December. He reflected on the previous season`s Serie A table – Bologna finishing ninth after being just two points shy of a Champions League spot – as evidence of the league`s balance and the expectation of a challenging tournament. And the Europa League final? Set to be held in Istanbul. Immobile concluded with a knowing look: “We will try; I would be lying if I said we weren`t thinking about it…”