Lucas Beltran admits he had ‘waited a long time’ to celebrate his first goal in the Fiorentina jersey and acknowledges he struggled to adapt to Italian football.
The Argentine striker had missed some sitters so far this season, but broke the deadlock in the opening minutes of a 6-0 Conference League victory over Serbians Cukaricki.
“I had waited a long time for this moment and I want to dedicate it to the club. I want to enjoy every moment, it was the perfect night and I am very happy for the goals and the victory. It was very important after the defeat to Empoli that we have this response,” Beltran told Sky Sport Italia.
It was followed soon after by another even better goal, a precise volleyed lob over the on-rushing goalkeeper on a long ball from Lucas Martinez Quarta.
“It was a beautiful goal yes. That is what I was trying to do and it worked perfectly, so I am really happy.”
Beltran was the club record signing from River Plate over the summer for €12m plus a further €13m in various add-ons and bonuses.
That brought with it a lot of pressure, which only intensified after his initial struggles.
“The passion of the fans was always there, they welcomed me with such incredible affection from the first day. Obviously, defenders in Italy are more physical than I am accustomed to, but I work every day to improve and sort out the details.”
Vincenzo Italiano has so far rotated between Beltran and M’Bala Nzola, but would the Argentine like them to work as a pair?
“That would be fine, we play where the coach tells us to. If he wants us to play together, alone, or to sit on the bench, he decides and we are at his disposal.”