Metta World Peace is confident he can make an impact in Italy after completing his move to Pallacanestro Cantu, with the American veteran already eyeing a second season.
World Peace - formerly known as Ron Artest - faced the Italian media for the first time on Thursday, two days after Cantu announced the 35-year-old's arrival.
The well-travelled forward, who won the 2010 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, started the year playing for Sichuan in China following his exit from the New York Knicks in February, but a knee injury cut short his time in Asia.
World Peace is now in Europe and determined to lead Cantu - twice Euroleague winners - to success in Lega Basket Serie A.
"I didn't come here because I'm old and I don't want to play anymore," said World Peace, who does not plan to retire until he is 40.
"No, it's the perfect time for me to come now, have a chance to play hard, meet my team-mates, and then see if I can play another season here. It's one of the best leagues in the world, and I'm very excited."
World Peace, who averaged 19 points and six rebounds in 15 games for Sichuan before succumbing to a knee injury, added: "I always wanted to play in Europe for a long time.
"They move the ball and they move bodies, and that's what I like doing. I'm looking forward to playing team basketball and being smart as well as scoring. I can score, but I'm excited about team basketball.
"I wanted Cantu because every time you see former superstars they always say they want to play for contenders. I don't want to play for any team. I prefer playing for a lower team and playing against the best. I don't like playing with them, I want to play against them ... and beat them."