New Fiorentina signing Jovic ‘inspired’ by Cristiano Ronaldo and ‘helped’ by Vlahovic

Luka Jovic admits Dusan Vlahovic’s advice helped him pick Fiorentina and says former Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo inspires him.

The Serbia international has moved to the Stadio Franchi on a permanent transfer from Real Madrid.

He has signed a two-year deal with his new club but has an option to extend his stay in Tuscany for two more seasons starting from 2024.

Madrid have a 50% clause on any future sale but paid a payout to convince the striker to join Fiorentina on a free transfer.

“As I said many times, it’s a pleasure to be here and wear this jersey. Many Balkan players have played here, which gave me extra motivation. I am ready to give my best, doing what the coach needs,” Jovic said at his unveiling press conference in Moena, where Fiorentina are preparing for the new season.

“I’ve trained hard during the break, and I am already quite fit. I have a little calf problem that won’t be an issue in the future.

“It’s true that I’ve always performed better with a striking partner, but I’ve also played as a sole striker at Frankfurt or Madrid. I am here to help the team. The coach decides the system and I am ready to do what’s needed,” Fiorentina’s new signing continued.

“I haven’t talked to Carlo Ancelotti, but he is one of the best coaches in history and it was an honour to have him as a coach.”

His compatriot Dusan Vlahovic left the Stadio Franchi in January, joining their fierce rivals Juventus. Has he spoken to him about Fiorentina?

“Dusan has done well in Italy and I’ll try to have the same success. We are teammates with the national team and opponents in Serie A, let’s see what will happen,” said Jovic.

“He has always had nice words for the club and the fans, which helped me make my choice.”

Jovic will wear Fiorentina’s No.7 next season, a choice partially inspired by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’ve picked No.7 because there weren’t many other numbers I liked. Hopefully, it will bring good luck. Cristiano Ronaldo inspires me and I hope I’ll do as well as he did in Italy,” he said.

Ironically, Jovic replaced Ronaldo at Real Madrid following the striker’s move to Juventus in 2018 but failed to justify his €65m price tag, scoring just three goals with the La Liga giants.

Next season, Jovic will battle for a starting spot with Arthur Cabral, but the ex-Madrid striker seems to enjoy competition.

“Cabral is an excellent person and he’ll have the chance to do well. Competition can be a motivation and I hope both of us will have a great season,” he concluded.