New Sampdoria coach Vincenzo Montella has thanked everyone associated with the club following his return to the Serie A side.
The 41-year-old played for the Blucerchiati for two spells during his playing career, once between 1996 and 1999 and again in the 2007/08 season, but this will be the first time he has coached the team following his appointment on Sunday.
“I have come back here for a third time and it is a bit emotional,” he told Samp TV.
“I want to send greetings to everyone and also thank the fans for the closeness and affection I have received in recent years, even as an opponent. I am very happy.”
Montella was coach of Serie A rivals Fiorentina from 2012 before being sacked at the end of last season.
He claimed 52 Serie A victories during his time as La Viola boss, but now replaces Walter Zenga on the Sampdoria bench after he left the club earlier in the week.