Ten years after leaving Atalanta, Christian Vieri has returned to sign a one-year deal.
Ten years after leaving Atalanta, Christian Vieri has returned and signed a one-year deal with the Bergamo side.Vieri had been available on a free transfer after spending just one month with Sampdoria before annulling his contract, and Serie A newcomers Atalanta confirmed on Tuesday they had captured the Italian international.
The veteran striker first left Atalanta to join Juventus in 1996, and after a lengthy career with most of Italy's top teams the 33-year-old has been welcomed back to Stadio Azzurri D`Italia.
After missing out on the World Cup finals due to injury the Australian-born striker had signed for Sampdoria but then performed a dramatic u-turn and quit three weeks ago.
Vieri was believed to be considering retirement, but his close relationship with Atalanta president Ivan Ruggeri has seen him return to his previous home on a deal that stipulates he be paid the minimum wage of ‚é¼1,500 per month.
"The player has big motivations and Bergamo's environment is ideal for him," sporting director Giancarlo Osti told Rai TV.
Atalanta are also expected to confirm the arrival of another old-boy on Wednesday, with Cristiano Doni set to sign a two-year deal after leaving Mallorca.
