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Friday, 12 March 2010

World News Vieri Jeered on Atalanta Return

Christian Vieri received a hostile reaction from angry fans when he was unveiled by his new club Atalanta on Wednesday.

The veteran striker has joined the Bergamo club for a third time from Fiorentina but he upset the Nerazzurri faithful with an animated celebration when he netted his first goal for the Viola - which came in a 2-2 draw against Atalanta last season.

As Vieri arrived at the Bortolotti sports centre to give a press conference, he was greeted with insults and jeering, but the former Italy international believes that the Atalanta fans are over-reacting.

"I didn't expect a reaction like this from the fans, they exaggerated things," said Vieri.

"When I scored against Atalanta I didn't think who the opponent was, I only had a will to celebrate because I had three months training without playing and that was my first goal in the Fiorentina shirt."

The 34-year-old, who first played for Atalanta in 1995 and then again in 2006, is keen to win the supporters round.

He said: "I hope to rebuild my relationship with the Atalanta fans and hopefully soon if I score goals in the Nerazzurri shirt."

Vieri will once again don the number 32 shirt at the Stadio Atleti and has revealed that he wants to repay chairman Ivan Ruggeri for giving him a chance to fulfil his dreams.

"I'm back also for the Ruggeri family who give me the opportunity to play in the professional football 13 years ago," added Vieri.

Vieri has scored 160 goals in 315 games in Serie A.

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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