Nikola Vlasic says he prefers Turin to London, while Torino director Davide Vagnati admits Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal slowed down the deal between the Granata and West Ham.
Vlasic has returned to the Stadio Grande Torino on a permanent transfer from East London. The Croatia international had spent the last season on loan with the Granata and spoke to the media during his unveiling press conference on Thursday.
“I am happy, I thank the President and the club,” he said as quoted by TMW.
“Torino have always been my first option; other clubs were interested, but I had a deal with Toro and now I am really happy.”
Torino didn’t activate a €15m clause to sign Vlasic permanently this past June and eventually signed the Croatian for circa €12m, including add-ons.
“West Ham are an important club,” said sporting director Vagnati, who joined Vlasic for his press conference.
“They had sold a player [Rice] for an incredible fee, so they could decide the best price tag for them. Vlasic’s will was crucial.”
Arsenal signed Rice from West Ham for circa €120m in July, so the Hammers were financially stable when negotiating with Torino over the last few weeks. However, Vlasic only wanted to play for the Granata again.
The ex-CSKA Moscow and West Ham midfielder scored five goals in 31 Serie A games last season and has now signed a contract until June 2027 with Ivan Juric’s side.
“The club believe in me and it was important to feel the trust of the club and the coach,” he said.
“I felt the desire to play again and it was an easy choice. This club has room for improvement and I like to feel part of the project. This club want to raise the bar, we are going in the right direction.
“London is London, but Turin is the best city,” continued Vlasic.
“The weather is better and you can walk everywhere. I live in the city centre which is ideal for my family and me. It is very similar to Split.”
A change of tone perhaps as don’t think he will want to come back to play in the Premier League again.