The Italy international returned to Germany today to join up with his team-mates after a disappointing showing at the Confederations Cup, and he arrived full of motivation.

"I respect my team-mates but I will do everything to be able to be a regular starter in the new season," he said.

"I am not wasting any thoughts about the substitutes' bench."

The 31-year-old faces tough competition for a place in the Bayern attack this season. Although Lukas Podolski has been sold to Cologne, Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez have both joined him and Miroslav Klose in a fight for places in van Gaal's team.

It had even been suggested Toni would be sold this summer, but he insists he is as committed as ever to the Bavarians.

"I just want to score as many goals as possible and make my contribution to winning an important title with Bayern," he said on the club's website, www.fcbayern.de.

"After not winning anything last season, I am more motivated than ever.

"I know that van Gaal is a very good coach and I cannot wait to be able to prove myself to him.

"I will do all I can to ensure the coach cannot leave me out."

Toni is not only intent on impressing his new club coach, but also wants to remind Italy coach Marcelo Lippi of the goalscoring prowess that earned him the Bundesliga golden boot award at the end of his first season with Bayern in 2008.

Toni's place in the Squadra Azzurra is no longer guaranteed and he knows he has to work hard to remain in Lippi's plans.

"We will see a completely different Italy at the 2010 World Cup," he said. "And hopefully it will be one with Luca Toni."