Alberto Gilardino has insisted that he was happy to remain at Genoa for this season and hopes his performance in the 3-0 victory over city rivals Sampdoria highlighted his desire to succeed at Luigi Ferraris.
The 31-year-old also admitted that he has sought help to improve the mental side of his game, although he would not reveal the exact nature of support he was receiving.
“I’ve remained here at Genoa and I’m really satisfied that happened,” Gilardino told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“A lot of things were said about me before the transfer window closed and I had a great desire, especially during the derby against Sampdoria, to illustrate that I am a great professional.
“There has been a strange scepticism around me in my 13-14 seasons in Serie A. But I have always just focused on work, to prove that words are taken away by the wind.
“I’m feeling really good physically and mentally, I’m convinced I will never stop growing.
“Look at Miroslav Klose, Francesco Totti and Antonio Di Natale, players who are 35-36. I want to get to their age by continuing to score goals.
“I need to be part of a side that takes advantage of my characteristics, as is the case this season,”
“I’m really improving on the mental side of things thanks to somebody who has been working with me for the last five months.
“It isn’t a sports psychologist or a mental coach, but we are collaborating and that is helping me a lot.”
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