French defender Michael Ciani expressed both excitement and regret after leaving Bordeaux to join Lazio in a reported €2 million deal.

PA PhotosMichael Ciani has made the switch to Italy

Ciani, 28, has signed a deal until 2016 and will play under coach Vladimir Petkovic.

"I'm happy, but sad too," he said. "I will gain more experience - it's a big league. I will play against Juventus, the two Milan clubs and Roma.

"There are great players, and I think it's good for me to see another country. I'll give everything because I want to work my way back into the French national team.

"I'm very happy to join Lazio but a little disappointed because I loved my old team and team-mates. I hope to do a good job."

Ciani hopes to follow in the footsteps of Lilian Thuram, who left Monaco for Parma in 1996 and went on to star for Juventus and Barcelona. "Thuram was a symbol for the French, and I want to achieve the same career as him in Italy," he said.

Bordeaux head coach Francis Gillot said he was sad to be losing his captain. "It's a pity," Gillot said. "Micka is a good player and a great man, and it's always difficult to lose a player like him.

"The fact that Lazio wanted him proves his value. I love this guy and I wish him the best for his future career."