New signing Leonardo Ghiraldini paid tribute to the 'incredible' Tigers family of supporters.
Tigers fans left a big impression on the Italy international hooker after he experienced the unique Welford Road atmosphere during Heineken Cup visits with his former club Benetton Treviso.
And Ghiraldini says that former Tigers favourites Martin Castrogiovanni and Alex Moreno gave a ringing endorsement of the club ahead of his summer move.
Ghiraldini, who has started his first pre-season at the club, said: “I spoke to Castro and Alex Moreno.
“They talked to me about Leicester, how rugby here is for the people, for the supporters.
“I saw over the last few years I have seen the incredible crowds that there are here in Leicester. I am really excited to be part of this team.
“Every time I’ve played against Tigers, I have seen their work on the field. They always put in 100 per cent on the field so that’s what I like.
“I love the Aviva Premiership too and I will do my best to be involved in the team.”
The hugely experienced Ghiraldini has been capped 67 times by his country and has been a cornerstone of Treviso’s Heineken Cup campaigns over recent seasons.
And he says he is determined to keep improving at Tigers.
“Every player has to have the attitude to improve every day,” he says. “Every morning when I come into training I want to improve myself. Tomorrow morning I will again do my best to improve myself.
“I have experience of playing for Italy, Treviso and Calvisano, and I have played in the Heineken Cup, but you have to show every time that you are a good player.
“I want to be a better player. I love the challenge that there is here. There are quite a lot of hookers, some good players from the Academy too. I am really excited to take this opportunity.”
Tigers fans left a big impression on the Italy international hooker after he experienced the unique Welford Road atmosphere during Heineken Cup visits with his former club Benetton Treviso.
And Ghiraldini says that former Tigers favourites Martin Castrogiovanni and Alex Moreno gave a ringing endorsement of the club ahead of his summer move.
Ghiraldini, who has started his first pre-season at the club, said: “I spoke to Castro and Alex Moreno.
“They talked to me about Leicester, how rugby here is for the people, for the supporters.
“I saw over the last few years I have seen the incredible crowds that there are here in Leicester. I am really excited to be part of this team.
“Every time I’ve played against Tigers, I have seen their work on the field. They always put in 100 per cent on the field so that’s what I like.
“I love the Aviva Premiership too and I will do my best to be involved in the team.”
The hugely experienced Ghiraldini has been capped 67 times by his country and has been a cornerstone of Treviso’s Heineken Cup campaigns over recent seasons.
And he says he is determined to keep improving at Tigers.
“Every player has to have the attitude to improve every day,” he says. “Every morning when I come into training I want to improve myself. Tomorrow morning I will again do my best to improve myself.
“I have experience of playing for Italy, Treviso and Calvisano, and I have played in the Heineken Cup, but you have to show every time that you are a good player.
“I want to be a better player. I love the challenge that there is here. There are quite a lot of hookers, some good players from the Academy too. I am really excited to take this opportunity.”
