Dusan Vlahovic is wanted by many big clubs, but insists he ‘can’t wait to work’ with new Fiorentina coach Gennaro Gattuso.
The 21-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances this season, putting him on the map and attracting interest from sides all over Europe.
“I am certainly satisfied with the 21 goals, especially as my objective had been 10 goals to begin with,” Vlahovic told MozzartSport in Serbia.
“You can earn so much with hard work and sacrifice. Of course, there will be moments when things don’t go well, I am aware of that, but the important thing is to keep working harder than anyone else, believe in yourself and listen to advice.
“The turning point in my career so far was the arrival of Cesare Prandelli. I was on international duty when Fiorentina appointed him, but when I returned, he sat me down and explained what he had in mind.
“It took five games before I managed to score, it felt like the toughest target of my life, but without Prandelli’s help, none of this would’ve happened. He had unlimited faith in me and I will be grateful to him for the rest of my life. He explained how to move, how to take shots. He’s so good at talking to players.”
Prandelli resigned abruptly due to health issues, with Beppe Iachini finishing the season, but Gattuso will be on the Fiorentina bench next term.
“Gattuso is a World Cup winner and a coach who never gives in. He’s a great motivator, constantly hungry. I can’t wait to meet him and start work.”