New Fiorentina goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is happy to be back in Florence and explains how his one-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur helped him improve.
The Italy international has joined the Tuscans on loan with an option to buy from Atalanta after one season spent with Spurs.
“The more you go up, the more people are humble. Tottenham have made me grow, especially working with a World Cup champion like Hugo Lloris,” he said at his unveiling press conference.
“Even without playing, there are many things to learn. The Premier League is a tough league, the game is more physical and it’s an experience that has given me a lot.”
Gollini had returned to Atalanta after his loan spell in North London but quickly reached an agreement with Fiorentina. He played 111 games with La Dea, conceding 120 goals and keeping 38 clean sheets.
“I left Atalanta because of problems with one person, not for technical reasons. I proved my worth on the pitch. I am the Italian goalkeeper with the most European appearances over the last few years. The city of Bergamo and the Percassi family will always have a special place in my heart. I am here to confirm my worth.”
Reports in Italy suggest Gollini was no longer on good terms with coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The former Tottenham goalkeeper spent five years at Atalanta, playing Champions League football for two campaigns.
The Italy international had already spent one season in Florence before joining Manchester United’s academy 10 years ago.
“Fiorentina are a strong team and with the environment that the fans create, we have a chance to be competitive, especially at home,” he said.
“We can play on a par with everyone, it must be difficult for everyone to come and play here. It’s never easy to play here.
“It’s special to come back here. I had spent only one year here, but it was fundamental. It prepared me for the future steps of my career,” he said.
“It was my first year away from home and without this experience, I couldn’t have gone to Manchester. I met amazing people here and in fact, now I am back.
“There were other teams interested, but Florence was the right place for me. I am very happy and I am grateful for the opportunity I was five. It was important for me to return to a special place.”
Fiorentina are back in Europe after five years and will play in the Conference League next season.
“The Conference League is a competition that can give a lot, but it could also take off energies with many away games,” said Gollini.
“We have a deep squad and the coach has proved that he wants to use a lot of players. This can be an added value. Florence deserves to be in Europe.
“It would be risky to underestimate any opponent, we must be prepared. We have European experience and this can help us.
“I am 27, I’ve played in the Champions League and with the national team, I’d make the same choices again, I have more and more ambition.”
Easily the most overrated Italian goalkeeper in living memory.
Rosario@
Don’t know how you come to that conclusion. Personally I don’t think he are that hyped that I would consider him overated.
A goalkeeper like person that was talked about as the next Buffon I personally would consider more overated than gollini
*perin