Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez hopes that he will be like a new signing when he makes his long awaited return from injury, but he has called on fans to have a little patience and not to expect too much too soon from him.
Gomez joined Fiorentina from Bayern Munich last summer but has so far made just five appearances for the club.
Unfortunately for Fiorentina and Gomez, he picked up a knee ligament injury against Cagliari back in September and has been absent from the starting line up ever since. Now, however, he claims to be pain free and can’t wait to come back.
“I don’t feel pain anymore. I feel well and that is the most important thing,” the 28-year-old said, although he urged caution from the Fiorentina fans. “A bit of patience is needed, I know that everyone already wants to see me out there at my best.....but I still lack match fitness,” he added.
Gomez arrived at Fiorentina fresh from helping Bayern to a league, cup and Champions League treble and hit his stride quickly in Italy, scoring twice in his first five games. Having just started to establish himself in the side, his injury came as a cruel blow but now he is hoping that his return to fitness will give the club the same boost as a new signing.
“I almost feel like a new signing again here as I have had so little time on the pitch with my teammates,” the German international said. “It’s still not over. We need to try our best in the last 12 matches but we know it will not be easy,” he added, hinting at Fiorentina’s outside chance with the likes of Paddy Power of Champions League qualification for next season.
Mario Gomez is a proven goalscorer and his return can do nothing but boost Fiorentina’s chances. Champions League qualification still seems unlikely, but if Gomez can find his best form then Fiorentina may spring a surprise or two over the last few months of the season.