Former Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini is thrilled with his £7 million move to Sampdoria.

"I am so excited," declared Pazzini after completing the move, which will see Emiliano Bonazzoli go on loan to Fiorentina.

"I cannot wait to relaunch my career with this new adventure. We'll have time tomorrow to explain better what is going through my mind.

"At the moment I just want to thank President [Riccardo] Garrone and Director [Beppe] Marotta from the bottom of my heart.

"They proved with their actions that they truly believe in me. I am so happy and want to thank everybody."

Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino revealed: "Pazzini wanted to test himself in another environment. We tried to connect his desires with our interests and I think we achieved that.

"The negotiations were concluded in part last night and in part this morning. Pazzini was sold for 9m Euros plus Bonazzoli's loan with an option to buy for 2.8m Euros.

"We are convinced that Bonazzoli can give us a hand to reach our objectives."