New Fiorentina signing Nikola Kalinic is ‘ready’ to replace Mario Gomez, and names Zlatan Ibrahimovic among his idols.

The striker has joined the Viola from Dnipro, and was presented to fans and media this afternoon.

“This is certainly a big step in my career,” Kalinin admitted.

“As soon as I heard Fiorentina were interested, I put a lot of pressure on the [Dnipro] directors to allow me to come here.

New Fiorentina signing Nikola Kalinic is ‘ready’ to replace Mario Gomez, and names Zlatan Ibrahimovic among his idols.

The striker has joined the Viola from Dnipro, and was presented to fans and media this afternoon.

“This is certainly a big step in my career,” Kalinin admitted.

“As soon as I heard Fiorentina were interested, I put a lot of pressure on the [Dnipro] directors to allow me to come here.

“I wanted to play in Italy, and I’m glad I made it. If I do well in Florence, I can also earn a call-up to the national team, and that’s very important for me.

“Serie A is a very different League to the Ukrainian one, it won’t be easy to make my mark.”

Kalinic is ostensibly replacing Mario Gomez, who has joined Besiktas after two disappointing seasons with the Viola.

“We all know what kind of play Gomez is. Clearly the Italian League didn’t suit him.

“I’ll need time to acclimatise, but I’m ready and I’m not afraid to replace a striker of Gomez’s level.

“My favourite strikers are definitely [Didier] Drogba and Ibrahimovic. I can’t describe the way I play personally, you’ll be able to judge after you see me play.”

Finally, Kalinic called on Joaquin to remain in Tuscany, despite his desire to return to boyhood club Real Betis.

“He’s a player who has proven how good he is,” the striker said.

“He’s been playing at a high European level for years now. His departure would definitely be a big loss for us, I hope he stays and continues to help Fiorentina.”

Bygaby

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