Franck Ribery arrived in Florence Wednesday and the 36-year-old France star signed a free-transfer deal from Bayern Munich to Fiorentina.
Ribery had a barrage of medical tests before signing and
being officially presented in a two-year deal that will net him
four million euros a year plus bonuses.
Ribery said he had spoken to former Bayern, Fiorentina and
Italy striker Luca Toni "who told me that Fiorentina is a great
club and the city is beautiful".
"I like the city and what's more I speak Italian: I'm
expecting great affection.
"Thanks for everything," he said on Fiorentina's website.
"I'm looking to the future with confidence with my new
teammates and fantastic fans.
"Ciao Fiorentina, a new chapter is opening for me and my
family. Grateful and happy to be able to sign a new contract
with a great club in a splendid city".
Ribery and his wife were met at the Florence airport by Viola
and Italy great and technical director Giancarlo Antognoni.
Fiorentina later made the move official saying "Ribery is
ours".
Ribery played 12 seasons in Bayern and helped them to
repeated domestic titles and European glory in 2013.
He will debut Saturday at home to Napoli, coached by his old
manager Carlo Ancelotti.
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