Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile claims his debut Champions League goal against Arsenal was a relief after his summer move from Torino.
The 24 year-old had already made two Bundesliga appearances and one cup outing for Dortmund but had failed to find the back of the net before Tuesday’s match.
“I’m happy especially as some people were already being critical of me. I am a foreigner here, so I have to settle and work hard,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“Everyone at the club has really helped me. Playing for Italy gave me that extra push to do better, so I returned to Dortmund even more fired up.”
The Italian scored just before half time against the Gunners with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang adding a second.
“I dedicate the goal to my family, my child and my wife as they know how much I suffered. This goal is a weight off my shoulders,” he claimed.
Dortmund will face Anderlecht in their next Champions League tie while Arsenal will go in search of a better result against Galatasaray.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
