Sevilla new boy Ciro Immobile has admitted that he needed “a change of scenery” after growing unhappy with “cultural differences” at Borussia Dortmund.
The Italy striker joined the Europa League winners on an initial, season-long loan last week as a direct replacement for Carlos Bacca, who recently departed for Milan.
“I arrive here without any problems at Borussia [Dortmund] and I feel fine,” he told Marca.
“Perhaps I’m a little tired, the first days [of pre-season] are always difficult because the legs are heavy.
“It’s normal, but training has been very good. There’s been a lot of work with the ball and I think that’s important.
“I wanted to try something else, a change of scenery. Sevilla are an important team. There were many things going on in my head, but my only intention was joining Sevilla.
“[La Liga] is a different championship. The Italian and German Leagues are different and I think the Spanish one is too. It’s yet another new championship for me!
“The general culture [in Spain] is similar to what I already know in Italy. For me and my family, it’s very important because in Germany there were too many cultural differences.
“I’ve talked to people and they’ve told me that the winter weather in Sevilla is wonderful.
“[Enzo Maresca] told me only good things about Sevilla. He said Seville was a beautiful city and that his wife was from Seville.
“He told me to call him if I needed anything. He’s been very generous. The club told me that the squad was very united, and that they’d won several titles because, besides the quality of the players on the pitch, they were very close in the dressing room.
“We also have a very good Coach. For a new player, it’s important to come to a family environment. It’s what I wanted and needed.
“I come to a club where there are no stars or top players, but good players, and together they make the team strong.
“I think [Unai Emery] is demanding, but if you want to be successful as a player then your Coach must teach his fist.
“He must know how to lead the group. He and his staff have helped me a lot since the first day.
“I saw him in person at the end of the [2014 Europa League Final] between Sevilla and Benfica in Turin.
“He works well, and tactically he is also very good. The success he’s achieved speaks for itself.”
Image courtesy sevillafc.es