Alberto Gilardino has arrived in Italy to complete a move to former club Fiorentina on loan from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.

The 32-year-old moved to China in the summer from Genoa, but Fiorentina’s loan move reportedly includes an option to buy the 2006 World Cup winner at the end of the season.

Speaking to the Fiorentina website after arriving at the club, Gilardino said: “I will return here with great desire. I say thank you to the president and the club staff who wanted me here.”

Gilardino was previously with the Viola from 2008 to 2012, scoring 48 goals in 118 Serie A appearances after his move from Milan.

He later signed for Genoa, with a spell at Bologna on loan, before moving to China.

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