Felipe Melo is delighted with his move to Fiorentina.

The Brazilian wing-back has signed with the Viola on a Bosman from Almeria and said: "I am a central midfielder with two principal characteristics. I always look for goal - only one player, Xavi, has out-scored me this year from the middle - and I am, physically, very strong.

"I wanted a change. A new country, city and championship. Here in Spain, they call La Liga the League of the stars, but I want passion as well. I wanted to move to a place similar to Brazil, where the fans give everything. I thought about England and Italy.

"Last summer I was very close to Lazio. This year I have received many offers, but when I came to know of Fiorentina's interest, there was no question in my mind.

"Fiorentina are super famous in Brazil, they have a great reputation. I grew up with Gabriel Batistuta as my idol, I copied his 'machine-gun' celebration after scoring.

"And then there is the Coach of my national team, Dunga, who played there for a lifetime."