TRAP BACKS GOMEZ

Fiorentina recently managed to secure the signing of German international Mario Gomez for an undisclosed fee. The former Stuttgart striker has grown frustrated of life at the Allianz Arena after spending most of the last season on the bench at Bayern Munich. Hence, he was extremely concerned about the chances of him being in the German squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This has led to his move to the Italian club, who have been creating waves after the arrival of Vincenzo Montella.

He took over the club only last season and almost netted them a top three place at the end of the season. It has been several years since Fiorentina were last seen in the Champions league, but there is a real belief within the fans that the club can achieve something special after the arrival of Gomez. During his spell at Bayern Munich, he managed to score 113 goals in just 174 matches. At 27 years of age, he is at the peak of his career. Trapattoni, who saw enough of Gomez while managing Stuttgart, has said that he has all the ability to make Fiorentina a great club once again.

Gomez was in the Stuttgart second-team when Trapattoni was managing the first-team.

“He was in the second team of Stuttgart. A clever boy, twice a week for hours he and I were to see the technical and tactical aspects for improvement and I’m happy with his career. When [Uli] Hoeness and [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge called me to ask an opinion I did not hesitate a moment in recommending him. Improvements? He’s physically gifted, and mobile despite its size. He had to improve with the left foot, which he did. Mario can perform what is the aspiration of Fiorentina,” said Trapattoni, whose team will next face Wales in a friendly match.