After being appointed captain of Hellas Verona veteran Luca Toni is hoping the side can have an equally impressive season this term which, he expects, is probably his last as a footballer.
The 37-year-old struck 20 times in Serie A to narrowly miss out on the top scorer award that went to Ciro Immobile, then of Torino, but hopes for a similarly prolific campaign with the Gialloblu and add to the 274 goals already scored over his career.
“The feeling is always positive,” Toni told the Press conference.
“We have worked well, the pre-season was great and everything went in order. We are ready to start with a tough match, but we have to deal with all teams.
“Hopefully between the new arrivals there are some surprises. We changed a lot, no need to play together and we start with major challenges.
“I hope to make another great championship. I want to score goals, especially important to help young people and club to grow and attain salvation.
“On a personal level I would like to reach the 300 goals as a professional, I cannot wait and I’ll be happy.
“I think this is my last as a player. Of course, if I had to I would think 20 goals might make me go on. I want to have a great season, that’s the main thing, then we will be in June and we’ll see.
“I have to stop for a couple of years but in the end I am always here (laughs). I’m glad to be Luca Toni, it means that I have left a mark and it is a beautiful thing.”
With fellow old hand Rafael Marquez joining Toni in Verona the 2006 World Cup winner expects the Mexican to have an important role to play for the club.
“I faced at Marquez when I was at Bayern Munich and he Barcelona, but it did not go very well for my team,” explained Toni. “As a footballer, there is no need to describe it.
“He fell immediately into his new side, he is available to everyone and is someone that sets the example, never complains.
“He is a player with a thick personality, in a city like Verona that can be handy.
“A guy for the young players follow, one who has won almost everything and is always on an example during workouts.”
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
