Mario Gomez:  It's difficult leaving the best club in the world, but I want to play more

Mario Gomez had fallen down the pecking order with the arrival of Mandzukic at the Allianz Arena

Mario Gomez has completed his move from Bayern Munich to Fiorentina for a transfer fee of £17m. Bayern Munich's prolific striker had found the going tough since Mandzukic established himself as the main striker in Jupp Heynckes side last season. Mario Gomez's transfer to Fiorentina shows little has changed since the arrival of Pep Guardiola.

Signed from Stuttgart for a Bundesliga record of £30m in 2009 Mario Gomez has scored a total of 112 goals in 172 games for Bayern Munich.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern Munich chairman, has stated that Mario Gomez wished to leave the club after his successful stint targeting more game time.

Rummenigge: "It was Mario Gomez's wish to leave Bayern in the direction of Florence. We've now granted his wish."

Mario Gomez feels its a necessary step in hisfootball career: "This is a fundamental step for my career. In this moment, I have mixed emotions.

"It's a pity leaving behind many friends and a similar team. But I love football and I love playing. It's difficult leaving the best club in the world, but I want to play more. In Florence, they play a spectacular and offensive game.

"Bayern gave me the Champions League, which is the best thing a player could wish for. I will still be very connected to Munich & this great club. I am sure FC Bayern will remain the best team in the world"