Empoli have given official confirmation of Alberto Gilardino's move to the club following his exit from Palermo at the start of the week.

The 34-year-old has agreed on a two-year-deal at the Stadio Carlo Castellani and in recent days has made no secret of the fact that he didn't want to leave Palermo or the fact he didn't get on with controversial Maurizio Zamparini either.

The striker is the sixth signing of the Giovanni Martusciello revolution at the azzurri, joining Andres Tello, Federico Dimarco, Manuel Pasqual, Matheus Perriera and Giuseppe Bellusci through the doors.

Last term, Gilardino's nine Serie A goals played a vital role in Palermo's survival in the top flight and with star departures plentiful at Empoli, Gilardino may well find himself in a relegation dog fight again this upcoming season.

Pasqual already feeling at home

Pasqual smiles pitchside at the Carlo Castellani | Photo: @manuelpasqual
Pasqual smiles pitchside at the Carlo Castellani | Photo: @manuelpasqual

Pasqual joined Empoli from Tuscan rivals Fiorentina after an 11-year-relationship with La Viola where he amassed over 300 appearances and admitted during his first press conference, "When I stepped into the training centre for the first time, I immediately felt at home."

"It wasn’t easy after many years with the Viola jersey to feel immediately cared for in a new environment" he continued.

He said he moved to Empoli "because the club proved they wanted me here and still believe I can give my contribution both on and off the field" despite his best footballing years behind him.

The veteran full back has already made clear his ambitions for the upcoming season eyeing "the historic result of a fourth consecutive campaign in Serie A" which after the departures of key players Lorenzo Tonelli and Mario Rui as well as the expected departure of Riccardo Saponara  makes said task even more arduous but Pasqual says he is ready "to do battle."

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Cammy Anderson
Calcio-editor-in-chief Email: [email protected]