Nikola Milenkovic was heavily linked with a move to Inter and Juventus this summer but ultimately renewed his contract with Fiorentina, convinced by the project in Florence.
The 24-year-old Serbian centre back seemed set for a move away from Tuscany this summer as his contract entered it’s final year and both the Nerazzurri and Bianconeri considered swooping in for his signature. Despite the noise, Milenkovic stayed with Fiorentina and penned a new five-year deal.
Speaking to Informer, Milenkovic explained why he decided to sign a long-term contract renewal with Fiorentina, pointing to the strong project in Florence.
“I spoke a lot with the management and my family in recent months, the decision I made is based on the club’s ambitions, which are very high.
“You can tell by the addition of quality players, the construction of the most beautiful sports centre in Europe and the club’s desire to turn things around.
“The permanence of Vincenzo Italiano and his style of play were also very important for me when making the decision.”
The 24-year-old Serbian defender then discussed his goals with the Viola and their ambitions in the Europa Conference League, drawing inspiration from Roma’s successful European campaign last season.
“To do better than last season, which means getting into the top six. We also have the Conference League, which is important for us.
“Many people initially underestimated this third-tier UEFA competition, then we saw how much the trophy meant to José Mourinho last season.
“You can also see this season how much that success meant to the Roma fans, there was a lot of excitement.”
Milenkovic joined Fiorentina in the summer of 2017 from Partizan Belgrade in a deal worth around €5.5m. Since his arrival in Florence, the defender has scored 14 goals and provided one assist in 178 appearances, growing into a strong centre back.