Alberto Gilardino said he moved to Genoa to help resurrect his Italy career following an unhappy last six months at Fiorentina.
The 29-year-old moved to Genoa in a deal believed to be worth around eight million euros having come under fire at Fiorentina for his poor form this season.
After he left, La Viola coach Delio Rossi said he had lost his way but Gilardino says he is not looking back.
"I like challenges, my career has been full of challenges," he said. "I am coming here after three months in which I was accused of various things by the press.
"That fires me up to do well in my new adventure. I believe I'm an international player and it's always been my aim (to play for Italy). Only by working hard can I hope to go to the European Championships in the summer."
Gilardino was part of both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads, winning the famous trophy in Germany six years ago.
He won the Champions League with AC Milan in 2007 but recently failed to impress Italy coach Cesare Prandelli and has been dropped from the squad.
Source: AFP
