Former Fiorentina legend Gabriel Batistuta, who even has a statue made in his honor in Florence, gave his take on new Viola striker Alberto Gilardino, whom he sees as a possible heir to his throne after making a solid start to the season.

"At Milan Gilardino did not get the confidence he deserved," he said. "Today I think he is a mature player, and I am convinced he can do well in Florence, even though I can't say how many goals he will score."

The former Argentine international then talked about his love for the club and even about his secret ambitions for the future: "During my career I have shown I am very close to Florence, and I continue to feel this connection today. That's why it bothers me when they ask me if I still love this city.

"I would like that they remembered what I gave up just to stay there. A managing role? Yes, I would like to be a part of this project."

Finally, on the Scudetto race, he said: "Fiorentina can improve on their finish of last year, but for the Scudetto I think Inter are favorites."

Batistuta played nine years for Fiorentina, scoring 168 Serie A goals, before moving to Roma in 2000 and Inter in January 2003. He then played his last two playing seasons at Al-Arabi.

From Tribal Football

Fiorentina legend Gabriel Batistuta is convinced the goals will continue to flow for new Viola hero Alberto Gilardino. Batistuta said: "I do not know how many goals Gilardino will score in the end, but Alberto is a striker I have always liked. "Perhaps at Milan he suffered too much competition, but in Florence he's found his home and now can mature playing regular football."

From Calciomercato

"Non so quanti gol potra' segnare da qui alla fine Gilardino, ma Alberto e' un attaccante che mi e' sempre piaciuto. Forse al Milan ha patito la troppa concorrenza, ma a Firenze s'e' ritrovato e oggi e' maturo". Gabriel Batistuta, ex idolo della Fiesole, elogia l'attuale punta della Fiorentina. Lo ha fatto ieri sera intervenendo telefonicamente dall'Argentina a Rete 37.

Batistuta ha anche espresso il desiderio, in futuro, di poter tornare al suo vecchio club. "Penso ci siano pochi ex viola che vogliono ancora la Fiorentina come la voglio io", ha rivelato l'ex attaccante gigliato. "Ho rinunciato a tanto per essa. Mi viene quindi da ridere quando qualcuno mi chiede di spiegare cosa sento per Firenze e la sua gente. Avrei voglia di partecipare a questo progetto".

Poi un pensiero sul campionato italiano: "Per lo scudetto vedo l'Inter, a meno non si faccia male da sola. La Fiorentina puo' migliorarsi rispetto l'anno scorso, gioca bene e ha un progetto".

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