He has celebrated his l00th appearance in Serie A,with two goals that brings to Fiorentina the possibility of clinching a top spot in Serie A.

"This has been a Sunday I will never forget, and this two goals are my way of thanking the "tifosi"."

Those "tifosi" that gave Bati a statue and transformed "la Curva" in a huge white and blue flag representing Argentina's colors.

Firenze. Fierce like a lion following the scent of goal. With a panther's graceful movements, a strange 'beast' Gabriel Omar Batistuta. We wanted him to be on a pedestal so before the match we gave him a statue done in his image. Sad for Lazio, the ones that will be facing the strongest bomber in our championship.

He could not have scored better goals that those he scored this day celebrating his l00th appearance in Serie A. Two spectacular goals that brings Fiorentina to the third place in the Italian Championship.

"That Sunday afternoon has become an unforgettable one" said Bati visibly moved. "A day to remember when I'm old." This joy was also felt by all the "Viola" fans that with a sea of white and blue card-boards constructed Argentina's colors in the "Curva".

"I want to thank all these people not merely saying the words. That's why when I scored I ran to the "Curva" to celebrate with all of them."

This desire of Bati to thank the "tifosi" cost him a yellow card.

"I'm not repentant, It was the least I could have done to thank these people, I hope Ranieri will Forgive me."

He was forgiven. The important thing was that their bomber was back scoring goals. Bati has not scored in the first matches of the championship. He came back to "Firenze" very tired after a very demanding "Copa America". He lost his sharpness and the strength that was so much part of him in the previous season were he scored 26 goals and won the title of "Capocanoniere". Then slowly his condition began improving and he scored his first goal against Cremonese in the 4th week of the championship. This has never happened to Bati in Italy. Then his second goal was the next week against Bari. Following with two goals against Lazio, which told everyone that "il re-leone" was back. This goals turned Fiorentina into a title contender.

"I'm feeling physically well, I'm almost at l00% again" he said after the match. He was his usual self, joking around, smiling a lot. The Batistuta we all knew was back. Even Rui costa, his closest friend and the rest of his teammates were heard saying: "Gabriel is back with all his 'batteries' charged".

So Batistuta was back the moment he was most needed. His performance served to quiet down all that was said the previous week. With his two goals he reached the sum of 59 goals in l00 matches. A great accomplishment. Just looking at the numbers you can realize that you're in front of one of today's best strikers. His goals the best response to those who tried to dampen his career in Italy.

"I didn't understand the way they function. There was no solidarity between teammates. Everyone thought only of himself. When I realize this, my strengths of character, my stubbornness, my wish to do well allowed me to succeed in this venture where many other foreigners have failed before me."

Yes, it is good that he has remained here, that Argentine youth that used to travel throughout Argentina by bus trying to know more of himself has done pretty well here, not only for him, who turned out to be the world's best striker but he's been also good for Ranieri and for Cecchi Gori. Positive results are coming Fiorentina's way and they have Batistuta's signature, the man that four years ago Cecchi Gori forced upon his father Mario, two years after the patriarch's death, Cecchi Gori's whim proved to be the right one.

Seeing the magnificent moment this "Gaucho" of the goal is living he surely deserved a monument.

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