Fresh start for 'Kaiser Franck'

'A leader'

Ribery previously played for Turkish club Galatasaray and French sides Marseille, Brest and Metz.

The veteran could have opted to end his career with lucrative deals in China or the Middle East, and reportedly turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"For me it was crucial that I sign a contract for two years," Ribery told Sky Sports in Germany.

"Another important factor is to be able to have my family with me. I am very happy to be able to play high-level football for another two years."

Despite finishing 16th in Serie A last season, Fiorentina remains an ambitious club.

Ribery's signing is the first big name for new club owner, Italian-American media magnate Rocco Commisso.

"Tomorrow we will present him to the whole city, we will open the Artemio Franchi stadium so that everyone can greet him, and we expect a full stadium, as the champion deserves," said Joe Barone, Commisso's representative in Italy.

Despite having a reputation for being a hothead, Ribery's experience should be an asset to the youthful team, lining up alongside emerging talent like Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic and Nikola Milenkovic.

"Franck is a leader, both on and off the pitch," Toni told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Those who do not know him may associate him with certain behavior, but in the locker room he is friendly and he will help young people.

"Chiesa, for example, who is undoubtedly potentially the strongest Italian and who will learn with Franck the importance of sacrifices. In training, Ribery guides everyone in the squad. And on the pitch, he goes to war every time he is out there."

Ribery could play his first game for Fiorentina, whose only Serie A titles were back in 1956 and 1969, on Saturday against last year's runner-up Napoli.

Agence France-Presse