Fiorentina director of sport Daniele Pradè revealed it was Luca Toni who suggested Franck Ribery. “I told him it was impossible, don’t be silly!”
The anecdote was given at the start of Ribery’s presentation Press conference, having signed a two-year contract after 12 years at Bayern Munich.
It was during that period that the Frenchman was teammates with former Viola striker Toni.
Fiorentina director of sport Daniele Pradè revealed it was Luca Toni who suggested Franck Ribery. “I told him it was impossible, don’t be silly!”
The anecdote was given at the start of Ribery’s presentation Press conference, having signed a two-year contract after 12 years at Bayern Munich.
It was during that period that the Frenchman was teammates with former Viola striker Toni.
“It all started around June 20, when I had a meeting with Luca Toni and I told him we needed to lift the mood in Florence, a city that was depressed on a football level and required a boost,” said Pradè.
“Toni said: ‘Obviously, get Ribery.’ I told him it was impossible, don’t be silly!’ Through mutual connections, I managed to speak to Franck and from then on, it was impossible not to fall in love with him. He’s such a great guy who exudes so much warmth.
“He has character, a winning mentality, professionalism and charisma. He brings enthusiasm and will transmit that to all our players. That is why we signed Franck Ribery.”