Arthur Melo has revealed that his move to Fiorentina from Juventus was ‘all thanks to’ coach Vincenzo Italiano, who was able to convince the Brazilian that Florence was the best place to get his career back on track.
The former Liverpool loanee told La Nazione that it took just one phone call for him to be convinced to join La Viola, explaining that Italiano understood him both as a player and as a character.
Arthur also revealed that he had received compliments from President Rocco Commisso during a phone call they had prior to the move being made official.
“It’s all because of Italiano,” the Brazilian said in a recent interview. “I spoke to him, and after hearing what he had to say, I understood that Fiorentina is the right place for me.
“I ended the phone call with the coach, I called Pastorello (Arthur’s agent) and I told him: Ok, we’re going to Florence.
“He explained to me how much a player of my style will suit Fiorentina’s game. I understood that my position in Italiano’s tactical set-up is the one I like a lot and importantly is one where I can play my best.”
Commisso may have also played a role in convincing Arthur to move to the Stadio Artemio Franchi this summer.
“The president complimented me,” Arthur said. “He was very happy that I had accepted his proposal. I spoke with him and then again with all the Viola executives to establish when to meet for the contract signing.”
After a terrible season of injuries in 2022-23, a season which saw him register just one competitive appearance while on loan at Liverpool, Arthur is aiming for a positive campaign in Tuscany.
He told La Nazione that La Viola are dreaming of a top-four finish in Serie A this coming season.
“Qualification for the Champions League. I want to go to the Champions League and we have to fight to get to the finish line. I expect a great year, I’m being honest,” he said.