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Premier League exports to Italy have been a roaring success in recent years and Leicester legend Jamie Vardy is aiming to keep up that hot streak.
The 38-year-old is raring to go ahead of a potential debut at Cremonese on Monday night, away at Verona.
The newly-promoted Serie A side are a surprising two wins from two and Vardy could keep the feel-good factor going if he can hit the ground running.
The former Premier League winner's boyhood hero will be serving as inspiration at his new home, with Vardy explaining: 'When I was younger, it was Del Piero (who he admired most).
'You watch him play – he was unbelievable. Watching him score most weeks was really encouraging for me.
'Having watched that, me coming here and trying to do exactly the same - it’s really exciting.'
Jamie Vardy, joined by wife Rebekah, is looking forward to his new adventure in Italy
Del Piero starred for Juventus over more than 500 games, netting 208 times for the club. The prolific forward also played until he was 39, a longevity shared by Vardy.
Vardy will be joined by wife Rebekah and their children, Megan, 20, Taylor, 15, Sofia, 14, Finley, eight, and six-year-old Olivia in due course but said there is some red tape still to be negotiated.
He continued: 'They’re not here yet at this moment - obviously you have to go through the procedures to get visas and things like that – but they’re really looking forward to it.
'It is a real buzz and excitement, especially with getting to learn a new language as well. Once I made my decision, that was it. I was coming here. I’m settling in really well and just can’t wait to get going now.
'It’s all about match days and wanting to pick the results up, so now it’s about just knuckling down when I get given the opportunity, helping my teammates out as much as I can and hopefully chipping in with some goals.'
Rebekah did join him in Italy for the signing of his contract but has since returned home while they sort out the paperwork on her visa.
He has a one year deal with option for a further year with the Lombardy-based club.
The forward was given a hero’s welcome by fans - even autographing the leg of a supporter who had a tattoo of him inked on it.
Vardy is yet to be joined permanently by his wife as they sort out her visa
The Leicester legend moved on this summer and was convinced to join Cremonese
Vardy's move to the Serie A new boys may have raised eyebrows in some quarters but a chat with manager Davide Nicola was a key factor.
'The passion that he’s got for the football club and for the football itself, and how he wants to progress and wanting a team of fighters - that was me down to a tee,' he added.
'Every week, it’s not about who you’re playing against, it’s what you do as a team and that’s what we’re just going to concentrate on.
'They’re all going to be difficult. Everyone wants to get three points. I might have to adapt slightly, but it’s something that I’m looking forward to doing. I’m here to fight, to score, and to help this club make its mark.'
The 38-year-old is aiming to recapture his best form in the twilight of his career
During his 13 years at Leicester, Vardy made 500 appearances and scored 200 goals in what became a historic era for the club.
He helped the Foxes win the Premier League and FA Cup for the first time in their history and also won the Golden Boot in 2020.
It will be fascinating to see if he can still cut it at a high level and make an impact for Cremonese as they bid to beat the drop in Serie A this season.
