Vincenzo Nibali (open in new tab) admits that it is "absurd" to think he can win another Grand Tour at the age of 37, but the Italian is determined to make the most of what could be his last season as a professional in 2022.

Nibali returned to Astana Kazakstan (open in new tab) this winter after spending three seasons in Bahrain and two with Trek-Segafredo. He will compete in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France (open in new tab) and is set to compete in all five monuments.

"I certainly hope to make this year a long showcase, but it would be foolish to think about winning another Grand Tour," Nibali told La Gazzetta dello Sport (open in new tab).

"But I am happy to be back in Astana, where I spent some great years. If I am here, it is because I have the confidence and the willingness to work."

Nibali's last Grand Tour victory was in Astana colors at the 2016 Giro d'Italia, but he remained competitive during the three weeks of his time in Bahrain, finishing on the podium at the 2017 and 2019 Giro and second overall at the 2017 Vuelta a España.

However, he struggled to replicate those results during his time with Trek-Segafredo, finishing seventh overall in the 2020 Giro and 18th overall in the 2021 Giro after breaking his wrist a month before the start.

Speaking to La Gazzetta, the veteran Sicilian admitted that he struggled with knee problems last season and the interruption caused by the 2020 pandemic. His only success with Trek-Segafredo came at the Giro di Sicilia last October.

"I found myself in a new group, a very international team. Soon after, COVID-19 (Pandemic) began.

"But the way the race unfolded after I came back, I was rushed and maybe I was wrong. about the second year: ...... I never talked about it in the past, but I had knee problems. It had to do with sponsors and contracts.

Trek-Segafredo was directed by Luca Guercilena and had several Italian riders, but Nibali was happy to be back in Astana-Kazakhstan, where Italian is often the common language among riders and staff.

"My English has improved because of my time at Trek. There were times in training camp when I didn't understand a question, answered it wrong, and almost made a fool of myself. That was not fun," Nibali revealed.

"In the final part, as I understood more, I was more integrated into the team. I had a good relationship with my teammates and we were able to discuss and solve problems."

Nibali will start the 2022 season next week at Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and will also compete in Ruta del Sol, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Tirreno-Adriatico before Milan-San Remo.

"After Milano-Sanremo, we will do an April inventory.