New Atalanta signing Christian Vieri has admitted regrets over his departures from Inter and AC Milan.

"I made a mistake by leaving the great clubs that I played for," the striker of Australian origin admitted in Chi Magazine. "I could have finished my career at Inter or Milan.

"But there were too many messy situations and I couldn't do it anymore."

The 35-year-old was given a lukewarm reception by new club Atalanta after signing on a free transfer this summer as fans felt he betrayed the Orobici by leaving for Tuscany last summer.

"People don't always know the reasons behind a certain choice," Vieri insisted. "I returned to Bergamo because my heart told me to. I will convince the fans by playing well.

"I have always played because I enjoy it and the money is a secondary consideration. It used to matter a lot, but now it hardly does. I signed a blank contract with no figure on it.

"Football is my life - it's my adrenaline. When I have the ball I am happy."