Josip Brekalo has arrived to complete his transfer from VfL Wolfsburg and confirms ‘Fiorentina was always my first choice and this is a step forward in my career.’
The Croatia international had already played in Serie A last season on loan at Torino, but the clubs could not agree on terms to make the move permanent.
With his contract set to expire in June, it’s reported the Viola secured him practically for free, but giving Wolfsburg a large cut of any future transfer fee.
“I think Florence is the most beautiful city in Italy and coming here represents a step forward in my career,” Brekalo told Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and others after landing with a private jet ahead of tomorrow morning’s medical.
“Fiorentina was always my first choice between the various options I had in Italy and Spain. I want to do better than in previous years and continue to improve.”
Brekalo had also been linked with Monza, Napoli, Udinese and Getafe.
He warns that he won’t be ready to immediately make a difference for the Viola, as the 24-year-old has played only seven games this season for Wolfsburg, still contributing two assists in just 314 minutes of football.
“When you don’t play very much, you can never be at 100 per cent, but after a couple of weeks with the squad I am sure that I’ll be ready to play.
“I will meet Vincenzo Italiano tomorrow and talk to him, we’ll see if I will be there against Lazio.”
Brekalo also reveals he chose the Number 77 jersey for a very special reason.
“I always wore 7, but I want to do twice as good here.”
The Croatian reunites with his former Torino teammate Rolando Mandragora, who is also at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
“Mandragora spoke to me about the squad, but I already knew quite a lot about them.”