New Fiorentina signing Aleksandr Kokorin said La Viola are ‘a new chapter’ for him and thanked Fabio Capello ‘for putting in a good word for me with the media and directors.’
The 29-year-old joined Fiorentina on a permanent deal from Spartak Moscow.
New Fiorentina signing Aleksandr Kokorin said La Viola are ‘a new chapter’ for him and thanked Fabio Capello ‘for putting in a good word for me with the media and directors.’
The 29-year-old joined Fiorentina on a permanent deal from Spartak Moscow.
"We are happy to present you Kokorin. We've been chasing him in the past. He has wanted Fiorentina in the past. We believe he is the versatile player we needed to complete the squad,” said Fiorentina’s director of sport Daniele Pradé who unveiled the Tuscans' new striker.
“I am very happy to be here and be a Fiorentina player. I hope I can show everyone my qualities and to bring many goals and victories to my new club." Kokorin said.
"I am very happy to be at Fiorentina. Since I was a kid I know what it means to be at Fiorentina. The club has a great history. I thank the directors for wanting me here and I hope to repay everyone for this opportunity,” he continued.
“I want to thank everyone at Fiorentina for the trust, and for such a long contract. I am proud that the likes of [Fabio] Capello and [Roberto] Mancini spoke about me.”
Both coaches backed Fiorentina’s decision to sign the Russian striker who ‘had qualities to play for Real Madrid,’ according to the Azzurri CT.
“I thank Capello for putting in a good word for me with the media and directors. My dream is to win with my team, to bring joy to my fans. I played in Europe against sides from other countries and leagues.
"On being a bad boy, I can say that I closed a chapter in Russia, and open a new one here. I can be a bad boy on the pitch, not off the pitch."
“I had never had the opportunity to change country, then in recent times I made this decision with my family. I was welcomed by my new team mates, and I thank them. I know they will help me if I need. The coach spoke with me, he said he wanted me and spoke in a good way for me."
Which one is his favourite role?
"I have been training with my old team since early January. I am a striker, in my position I most score goals. I help the team as well."
Who are his idols in Serie A?
"I follow Italian football. I like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and their stats. In the past I admired the Brazilian Ronaldo. I have agreed to start Italian lessons with my wife and kid – hopefully I can speak Italian with you soon."