Jose Maria Basanta has explained that he could not turn Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”2″>Fiorentina down, as it represented perhaps a final opportunity to play in Europe.
The experienced centre-back has joined La Viola in a deal believed to be worth in the region of €2.5m, and today he was presented to the media, having chosen the No 19 shirt.
Jose Maria Basanta has explained that he could not turn Fiorentina down, as it represented perhaps a final opportunity to play in Europe.
The experienced centre-back has joined La Viola in a deal believed to be worth in the region of €2.5m, and today he was presented to the media, having chosen the No 19 shirt.
“I had this great opportunity at this particular moment of my career,” Basanta has considered to reporters present.
“It was probably the last opportunity to go to Europe. It was a decision taken with my family.
“Italian football is one of the best in the world and Fiorentina are a great club that wants to grow more and more.
“The objective is to finish in the top four in the standings and who knows, maybe even win a Scudetto.”
Basanta signed with the club at the start of this month, but hasn’t appeared for them yet in pre-season, leading to concerns over his fitness for the start of the season this weekend.
“I am fine. Last week I trained regularly, but I could not take part in the friendlies because of bureaucratic problems. However, I am ready and available to the Coach.
“My role? I have played in both three and four-man defences. I will do as the Coach tells me and my goal will be to help the team.
“My strengths? I do not like to talk about my characteristics. I have always tried to improve in all aspects and will continue to do so.”
The 30-year-old was part of Argentina’s World Cup squad this summer.
“It was an important experience where I was able to play against the best players in the world.
“Lionel Messi? He is the best in the world, even in training he always surprises and for me it was very useful to improve myself.”