Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella says the club had no choice but to sell Juan Cuadrado, given the money involved.
The Colombian winger is set to join Chelsea in the English Premier League for €33m, with Mohamed Salah joining the Viola on loan until the summer.
While he did describe Salah as ‘a top player’ the former striker did not seem altogether happy with the exhange, at least from a footballing point of view.
Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella says the club had no choice but to sell Juan Cuadrado, given the money involved.
The Colombian winger is set to join Chelsea in the English Premier League for €33m, with Mohamed Salah joining the Viola on loan until the summer.
While he did describe Salah as ‘a top player’ the former striker did not seem altogether happy with the exhange, at least from a footballing point of view.
“Honestly, it was something that had to be done,” Montella admitted in his Press conference ahead of the Genoa game.
“As a Coach I’m disappointed, but on a pragmatic level the fee is so high that it’s worth it.
“It’s nobody’s fault, we must absolutely not be distracted, and offer excuses, we must be supremely focused.
“He [Cuadrado] always demonstrated the utmost professionalism, and joy in playing. I’m happy for him, because he’s gone to play in a very good team.
“At the moment I’m a bit sad, there are more resources in other Leagues, that’s a fact. Our [Italian football’s] appeal is diminished.
“We’re getting a player in Salah who will have to adapt to our football, this is a League that’s different from the Swiss and the English.
“Cuadrado can also play in more positions than he can. He’ll serve as an understudy to Joaquin in a 3-5-2, unless we change the formation, but it would be a shame to do that.
“He’s a player who offers guarantees in attack as part of a 4-3-3, or as a second striker. He’s a top player though.
“I hope we can find a place for him in our five-man midfield, but it’s hard to be on the same level as Cuadrado.”
Montella did not have the same reservations about fellow new signings Alessandro Diamanti and Alberto Giardino.
“They know our League. They’re ready to play.”