Mario Gomez joins Besiktas on loan after injury-hit Fiorentina spell

German forward Mario Gomez has joined Besiktas on loan after two unhappy, injury-plagued seasons at Fiorentina, the clubs said on Thursday.

Gomez arrived at Fiorentina with a reputation as one of Europe`s most deadly poachers, but managed only 29 league appearances and seven goals for the Serie A side.

Fiore`s new coach Paulo Sousa had backed the 30-year-old but Gomez clearly felt he needed a fresh start and joined the Turkish club who have an option to make the deal permanent.

"I would like to repeat the success I`ve had in the past," he said in an interview on the Besiktas website (www.bjk.com)after arriving in Istanbul.

"My scoring rate may have fallen but I`ve been unlucky with injuries. Now they are gone and I`m ready physically and mentally.” 

He added that a good season could help him win a place in Germany`s squad for Euro 2016.

Gomez had played only three games for Fiorentina before suffering an injury to his right knee that kept him out for four months.

After a brief return, an injury to his left knee ruled him out for the rest of the 2013-14 season and cost him a chance of getting into Germany`s World Cup squad.

A thigh muscle injury early last season meant more missed games and when he finally got his fitness back his scoring form deserted him.