Rossi excited by Fiorentina switch

Giuseppe Rossi has expressed delight at signing for Fiorentina after sealing his move to Florence from Villarreal on Friday.

The Italy international has been out of action since October 2011 after a recurring knee ligament injury which has needed two operations, but is expected to be back playing before the end of the season.

And the striker believes he has chosen the right club to reignite his career at.

“I would have made this move sooner, even last (European) summer,” Rossi told reporters at his unveiling.

“I’m happy to be at Fiorentina. They are the only side who came forward with facts and not just with words. That was very important to me.

“I like the Viola project a lot. I want to be a part of it. There are many youngsters here, but also players of experience. And we all know that Fiorentina are playing the best football in Italy.

“I can’t wait to start playing alongside Stevan Jovetic and Luca Toni. They are great players.”

Rossi is predicted to be back in action in the European spring, but does not want to set a date for his return due to the fragility of his knee.

“I don’t have a particular date in mind for my return. My knee is stable right now, but it needs strengthening and it can’t be rushed,” he said.

“I hope to get back to full fitness as soon as possible so that I can play for the Viola fans. Things are going well.

The 25-year-old also denied he contemplated retirement during his prolonged absence.

“Retiring? I’ve never thought about quitting,” he said.

“Being a footballer is the only thing that I know how to do.”

Rossi has earned 27 international caps for Italy and said he is eager to add to that tally upon his return to full fitness.

He added: “The national team is certainly an objective, but I have to get fit before anything else. The key thing is that I get back to being 100 per cent.”