Nikola Milenkovic assures he ‘never asked to leave’ Fiorentina after extending his contract, despite weeks of talks with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
The Serbia international has instead put pen to paper today on a new deal that keeps him at the Stadio Artemio Franchi until June 2023.
“I am happy and proud to have renewed my contract with Fiorentina,” Milenkovic told the official club website.
“I never asked to leave. Over the years, I received many big offers from European clubs, but I always behaved professionally, respecting this jersey and the city.”
His silence over the summer was taken to mean a desire to walk away, especially as his contract was due to expire in June 2022.
“I preferred to avoid controversy. I did not demand to leave this transfer window. I like the style of (new coach Vincenzo) Italiano and think it can improve me as a player.”
Fiorentina director Joe Barone also spoke in this video interview about the situation.
“He never asked to leave, but we always talked about a contract renewal, so that day has now come.”