Lucas Beltran confirms Paulo Dybala ‘recommended Roma’ for his next step, but the River Plate striker chose ‘a good project at Fiorentina’ and is open to representing Italy internationally.
The centre-forward arrived in Cordoba and spoke to reporters and fans ahead of the overnight flight to Italy, where he will then undergo a medical with the Viola.
The transfer is worth €22m including bonuses plus a 10 per cent cut of the sell-on fee, which he is sticking to despite a late and desperate attempt to intercept from Roma.
“It all happened very quickly, a year and a half ago I was on loan at Colon, which helped me to grow and opened up doors,” Beltran told Ole.
“I returned, River Plate had faith in me and today I am a different player, with more confidence and experience. Moments are made to be enjoyed and this is what I am thinking today.”
He reveals that Roma sent their own Argentina international Dybala to help sway Beltran’s mind in negotiations.
“Paulo recommended that I join Roma. I spoke to him, but some things did not happen and the Fiorentina project is very good. They have been interested in me for a long time.”
Playing in Serie A might only be the beginning for Beltran, who could get Italian citizenship and represent the Azzurri under coach Roberto Mancini.
“I feel like I just to wait and see how things evolve. I will go to Fiorentina now, but the Argentina squad does have something special about it…”
Beltran has been in the Argentina Under-20 squad, but just turned 22 in March.