Fabrizio Miccoli has thanked Melbourne Victory for their pursuit of him prior to signing with Lecce.
The 34-year old Italian striker had been tracked by the A-League club as it became apparent that he was departing Palermo but in the end opted to join the peninsula club in Southern Italy.
Miccoli, who has previously played for Juventus, Fiorentina, Ternana and Benfica, was unveiled as a new Lecce player earlier this week and was delighted to return to the region where he grew up which he chose over a shift to Australia.
"This is a special and historic day for me," Miccoli told reporters.
"In terms of football this is the happiest day of my career. Finally my signature arrived which has been so long in coming.
"The question of level was never an issue, which I have shown with this decision.
"I want to thank the president and director of the club who have shown me affection. And I also want to thank my family who understood my decision. I am happy.
"I also want to thank Melbourne who until the last moment tried to persuade me to join them, focusing on Miccoli the footballer.
"Going there would have been great but it isn't Lecce. Thank you all for coming Forza Lecce."
