[Mercato] Vieri booed into Bergamo

Veteran striker Christian Vieri has arrived at Atalanta to a frosty reception from angry fans, but insists that he isn't fazed.

Vieri, who turns 35 this weekend, has joined the Orobici for a third spell on a free transfer after his contract at Fiorentina expired.

But many supporters feel that Vieri betrayed them when he left in 2006 after re-launching his career in Bergamo.


The car carrying Vieri to his first press conference had to be protected by a police guard as fans lined up to make their anger clear.

"The protests don't bother me," the Bologna native stressed. "People can think what they want – there’s no problem."

A huge banner was hoisted on the gates of the club's headquarters with insulting messages aimed at Vieri and the club directors.

The former Italy international, who has a lot to do if he is to win over the fans and avoid finishing his career with a whimper, can count Prato, Torino, Pisa, Ravenna, Venezia, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Inter, Milan, Monaco and Fiorentina as former clubs.

Source: C4 Football Italia