Fiorentina consultant Joe Barone said Franck Ribery “was offered a lot of money elsewhere, but chose” the Viola for the city and project.
The former Bayern Munich hero was a free agent and signed a two-year contract this afternoon.
“He is training, is very eager and today is a very important moment for Fiorentina,” Barone told Sky Sport Italia.
Fiorentina consultant Joe Barone said Franck Ribery “was offered a lot of money elsewhere, but chose” the Viola for the city and project.
The former Bayern Munich hero was a free agent and signed a two-year contract this afternoon.
“He is training, is very eager and today is a very important moment for Fiorentina,” Barone told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s exciting fans throughout Tuscany and the world, I saw so many people at the airport and hope there will be many more at the stadium tomorrow to celebrate Ribery.”
There was competition for Ribery’s signature from the likes of Dynamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow, not to mention Al Nasr.
“Choosing Florence is easy! It’s the city of art, of love, he already speaks Italian pretty well and his wife loves Florence. He was offered a lot of money elsewhere, but he chose Fiorentina for a club that is growing and he saw at the airport how important the fans are in that choice.”
Italian-American Barone is the right-hand man to President and club owner Rocco Commisso.
“Rocco gives us the opportunity to work, he is very happy and will be here on Friday to have dinner with the team. I heard from him many times today.
“The transfer market brings new opportunities every day, we continue to work, see what’s on the market and keep a close eye on everything. If an interesting option arises, we’ll see, but we have a good group.”