Immobile on Besiktas boredom, Bologna ambition and Italy recall

Ciro Immobile didn’t feel the same ‘pressure’ at Besiktas and dreams of a Capocannoniere record at Bologna, but while playing for Italy is his objective, new coach Gennaro Gattuso ‘has not called me.’

The 35-year-old had left Lazio last summer for a new experience in the Turkish Super Lig, where he scored 19 goals and provided four assists in 41 competitive games for Besiktas.

However, his enthusiasm ran dry rather quickly and he terminated the contract by mutual consent, joining Bologna as a free agent.

“I still felt the need to be stimulated and to feel the pressure when preparing for a game,” said Immobile in his presentation press conference today.

“I was losing that motivation at Besiktas and I wanted to end my career on a high. So when the opportunity arose to come here, I was already sure, I didn’t need to be convinced. I saw the enthusiasm in the city and it’s what I was looking for.

“I am one of those players who needs to feel he is in the spotlight and feels pressure to give his best. I know there isn’t as much pressure at Bologna as many other places, but I saw the enthusiasm and it was sufficient.”

Immobile wanted Bologna challenge after Besiktas

Bologna participated in the Champions League last season, then won the Coppa Italia trophy, so will be playing in the Europa League this term.

It will not have gone unnoticed that Bologna has in the past been used to revitalise the careers of Italy international strikers, doing wonders for Beppe Signori and Roberto Baggio, so Immobile is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s true, the Nazionale is an objective, and playing in the World Cup would mean that I had a positive campaign with Bologna.”

However, he has not yet spoken to new Italy coach Gattuso, who took over from sacked Luciano Spalletti last month.

“No, he hasn’t called me.”

The centre-forward won the Capocannoniere title four times in Serie A, and was also given the Golden Foot Award in 2020 for his 36 goals in the Lazio jersey.

“I scored 20 goals last season, so it wasn’t a disappointing campaign, but everyone needs different motivation and after I got injured, I had already decided to move on.”

Considering he sustained a serious thigh injury in December 2024, it means Immobile had been ready to quit Besiktas just a few months into his time there.

“What I needed in this phase of my career was to bring something more to help the younger players improve. I am also very harsh with myself and believe I can continue to improve even at my age. I talked to Vincenzo Italiano about this and will be at his complete disposal, because I want to learn something new.

“I will also admit nobody has won the Capocannoniere title five times, so I won’t deny that is an objective of mine.”