Palermo's Gattuso signs Lafferty from former club FC Sion

Lafferty during his time at Rangers

Palermo’s new manager Gennaro Gattuso has signed Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty from his former club FC Sion.Lafferty becomes Gattuso’s first signing since taking charge of the club.

The 25-year old scored 5 league goals for the Swiss club last season, with Gattuso being his manager for part of the campaign. The Italian was fired at the end of the season but Serie B side Palermo have moved in quickly to secure his signature.

A statement released by the club confirmed Lafferty’s signature.

“Palermo announce the signing of Kyle Lafferty from Sion. The Northern Irish striker has signed a three-year contract.” the club statement said.

The former Rangers striker expressed his delight at joining the club and admitted that he was close to agreeing a move to Sicily in the last transfer window.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he said.

“Palermo tried to sign me in January but unfortunately we couldn’t close the deal. Now I can’t wait to get started.

“When I was younger I watched a lot of Italian football and I know there’s a very passionate fanbase here at Palermo.”

Lafferty left Rangers in 2012 after his contract was transferred from Rangers to a new company set up by Charles Green, a move which he rejected. He scored 31 league goals in 104 appearances across four seasons at the Ibrox.

Source: Sky Sports