Rocco Commisso warned he is giving serious consideration to his future as President and owner of Fiorentina after the backlash from Dusan Vlahovic’s sale to Juventus. ‘I know some appreciate my money, but not my presence.’
The Italian-American is currently back in the United States due to health reasons and gave a 20-minute phone interview with the official Fiorentina website.
After going through the entire Vlahovic contract saga and his eventual transfer to bitter rivals Juventus, Commisso turned to his own supporters.
The presence of a banner depicting the President as the Joker character from Batman, placed on the Ponte Vecchio, seemed to particularly hurt the businessman.
“I find it incredible that none of the institutions in the city condemned such an offensive image hanging on a monument like Ponte Vecchio.
Commisso slams Vlahovic, agents, Juventus and Fiorentina fans
“Nobody intervened and nobody is looking for those who were responsible. That is a sacred place in Florence and the insult is unacceptable: there are other clowns here.
“There were moments when the ‘I stand with Rocco’ banners were everywhere, but not feeling support at this moment was deeply disappointing.
“Now I am aware that there are some who appreciate my money, but not my presence in Florence. Considering this situation and many others I’ve had to fight since taking over the club, I have to reflect very carefully, analyse in depth and make clear and transparent decisions, out of respect for those fans who continue to show respect to me.”
Commisso has fought constantly with the local council and various levels of Italian Government to get a new stadium approved, or even get permission to restructure the existing Stadio Franchi, to no avail.
“I spent €314m since I bought this club, including €34m for the Viola Park training centre. That’s €170m to buy the club, €110m to help Fiorentina balance the books. I never used banks or loans. I can’t keep putting in €110m every two years by myself. All I can promise the fans is I will never bring Fiorentina to bankruptcy.”
He then sent out a warning to the supporters who seem to want him out after the Vlahovic sale to Juventus.
“In May 2021 I left it open for anyone in Florence to purchase the club, but nobody stepped forward. The control of the future sale of Fiorentina is and will always be in my hands.
“I hope someone will now reflect. You know what you’ve got now, but not what the future could hold.”