Jonathan Ikone explains why this was ‘the right moment’ for him to join Fiorentina and reveals the message he received from childhood friend Kylian Mbappé after moving to Serie A.
The 23-year-old forward completed his transfer from Lille for €14m plus bonuses and a 15 per cent cut of his sell-on fee.
He was presented to the media in a press conference this morning, after signing the contract to June 2026.
“I am here to show my value, it’s the next step in my career. I am here to improve myself and help the team,” said Ikone.
“It was the right moment for this move, I achieved a lot with Lille. Fiorentina play good football, and I am happy to be part of this team.”
He was brought in to be part of new coach Vincenzo Italiano’s 4-3-3 formation, playing largely on the right side of a trident attack.
“My main quality is pace and the ability to dribble past players. I have to improve in decision making in the final third.
“Scoring in itself isn’t a personal objective, but of course I am valued also for the goals I score. I enjoy providing assists, and also want to score.”
Ikone started out in the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy and has been friends with PSG star Mbappé since they were children, while he also reunites in Serie A with former Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan, now at Milan.
“Mbappé messaged me when he found out about the move to Fiorentina, he said it’s a good decision and now it’s down to me to make it something big. I thanked him for his message.
“Maignan was happy for me, we speak, we’re friends and we’ll meet on the pitch.”
Our new number 1⃣1⃣ ⚜️#ForzaViola 💜 #Fiorentina #ACFFiorentina #Ikone pic.twitter.com/Belepazr6W
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) January 4, 2022
Yet another non-Italian in Serie A?
So when Italy fails to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, there shall be no surprise. Bravo.
What has the national team to do with club football? are u dumb= Italy won the Eruopean Cup