Dortmund complete signing of Torino's Immobile

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Italian international Ciro Immobile, the 22-goal top scorer in Serie A last season.

Immobile, 24, joins from Torino FC for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract and he admits the decision to give up a Granta shirt that made him feel "invincible" was not easy. "However," he continued. "We are all professional and we must be ready to change team, town or even country in order to keep on improving.

"The chance to play in a fascinating competition like the UEFA Champions League, the possibility of facing the best defenders in the world, of playing to win the title with one of the best organised club in the world. To play for a team with passionate fans and a style that can help me become one of the best forwards in the world – it would have been crazy not to take this opportunity with both hands."

Immobile will link up with his new employers after Italy's FIFA World Cup campaign, having been included in their final squad of 23 named over the weekend; reward for a stellar season. The Juventus academy graduate, a signing from Genoa CFC last summer, registered 22 goals – a total made up of no penalties – and formed one of the most potent strike partnerships in the league with Alessio Cerci as Torino finished seventh.

"In Ciro Immobile we are getting a versatile and dynamic striker who has established himself in a top European league in an impressive manner," Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of a player who was Serie B top scorer only in 2011/12. "His outstanding qualities fit perfectly with the profile required by Borussia Dortmund."