Italy World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino leaves Palermo to join Empoli - Alberto Gilardino has signed a two-year contract with Serie A side Empoli
- The 34-year-old striker, who won the World Cup with Italy, has left Palermo
- Gilardino has spent previous spells with AC Milan, Genoa and Fiorentina
Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino has left Palermo to sign a two-year contract with Serie A rivals Empoli.The 34-year-old helped Palermo survive relegation last season, scoring 10 league goals to ensure they stayed up.The veteran forward, who was part of Italy's World Cup winning squad in 2010, has joined Empoli for an undisclosed fee following previous spells at AC Milan and Fiorentina. 'Empoli announces it has acquired outright the performance rights of the player Alberto Gilardino,' a club statement released on Thursday confirmed.
'The forward has signed a contract until June 30, 2018.'
Empoli will become the sixth club Gilardino has played for since January 2012.
He posted a Twitter message recently suggesting he was not pleased to leave Palermo.
'My dear Palermo fans, I've come to write these few lines because my adventure with your colours has come to an end, although this was most certainly not my decision.
'I wanted to thank you, because in spite of the initial scepticism due to matters of the past, you knew how to look beyond and come to know me, as I did with you.
'You supported and encouraged me for the whole duration of the season and I always felt your love. I've been very struck by the affection you've showed me on social media and in the words of your banners, and I'm ever so grateful for that.'
Gilardino has also had periods at Genoa before short spells with Bologna, Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande and former club Fiorentina prior to his move to Palermo last year.
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