Addicks unveil Di Canio

The 35-year-old hit-man admitted that he had received offers from other clubs, not just in England, but The Addicks were the team for him.

"To say they were the only club who tried to sign me is not true," explained Di Canio at his press conference. "I wanted to play in England.

"The way they approached me was very important. They made it very easy to choose Charlton.

"I really appreciate it. My age is not important. It's important to play in a passionate and professional place. Charlton is that place."

Di Canio was full of praise for his new manager Alan Curbishley, after leaving former boss Glenn Roeder at Upton Park under somewhat of a cloud.

"He's done a great job," said the Italian on Curbishley. "He's a good manager who has the respect of his players.

"I think he's a good manager. Now I can play for him I'm very happy."

When asked whether he rejected a deal to remain with The Hammers, the former Celtic man stated he received no such offer.

"I don't want to talk about West Ham," he added. "I never received any offer from West Ham.

"I received two offers from other premiership sides, but I didn't accept them. Not only financially, but maybe the club, the team or the way they play.

"With Charlton I was happy to sign. There are always many reasons why you sign for one club."

While Di Canio stated many stories in the press exaggerated his personality on and off the pitch, he did admit his infamous push on referee Paul Alcock was a low point.

"When I pushed Alcock it was a bad situation. But when it's written I tried to destroy the dressing room atmosphere, it's not true."

Despite being at the back end of his illustrious career, Di Canio is preferring to play out the season before deciding whether to hang up his playing boots.

"I don't know. I've not here started yet. I want to take it year by year," he continued.

"When you move you have to forget what you've have done in the past. I need to prove that I can bring good things to this club."

While Curbishley revealed his delight at bringing in the experienced front man, he conceded he hoped he could have brought him in sooner.

Despite spending a number of weeks without a club, The Addicks boss was worried a Premiership rival may have moved in on the Italian.

"I wish I'd done it a few weeks ago," he said. "I had some problems contacting him. I felt if I didn't pick him up someone else would come in.

"He'd of been fitter, he we brought him in sooner, but he's trained yesterday and today and he needs to prove how fit he is.

"I didn't take any advice on Paolo. And all I knew is that when we played against them, he scared the life out of me.

"I had no hesitation in signing Paolo. He's a great signing. He'll make us a better team. His problems in the past haven't crossed my mind.

"I think he's just happy to at a football club where he'll train and prepare properly."