Dusan Vlahovic is refusing to rule out a contract renewal with Fiorentina amidst interest from Europe’s top clubs.
The 21-year-old Serbian forward is one of the top stars in Serie A this season, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists in 20 league appearances this season for Vincenzo Italiano’s side.
Speaking in an interview with Politika.rs, Vlahovic first discussed the ongoing season and his mindset.
“Success in football always depends on the mindset. Now that, I hope, the most difficult road has been taken, I can say that I have succeeded in everything I set out to do.
“However, I belong to the group of people who are never satisfied with the current situation. Maybe I could have done more and better, but it certainly means a lot to me to have caught up with Ronaldo.”
He touched on the many challenges that he’s faced since joining Fiorentina three-and-a-half years ago.
“My family comes first. Their love and support mean a lot to me. In the moments that weren’t easy, when everything could have gone the other way, when I was completely overwhelmed by emotions, when I was going through the most difficult times, my best friends were there.
“I do not forget the people who were by my side when it was difficult for me. Without them, father Miloš, mother Gordana and sister Anđela, my grandparents, everything would definitely be different and more difficult.”
The 21-year-old Serbian forward spoke about the importance of Cesare Prandelli in his development.
“In him are gathered all the best human virtues. We talk to each other often. Of course, there are no words that can describe my gratitude to this wonderful man. One day he came, invited me to a meeting and told me that I would have a chance.
“I remember well his words of support and that, whatever happened, he would be with me. I didn’t score in the first five games. It was difficult, because strikers are always expected to score.
“After those games he gave me even more support, he put me as the first player on penalties. At the end of December I scored a goal at Sassuolo, then another, then at Juventus. That’s how it all started.”
Vlahovic remembered when he missed a decisive shot for Fiorentina that led to dropped points against Inter at the San Siro.
“We went ahead at San Siro, I had the opportunity to finish the job and secure the victory for Fiorentina. But what I least hoped for happened. I am grateful that everything came back to me afterwards. It has strengthened my character. I have never fallen into a vicious circle.
“I just happened to miss my chance. Then, when I took my phone in my hands, I saw that the situation was serious. There was a lot of criticism both on social media and in the media. I said to myself, ok, I was wrong, but now I have to fix it. I turned my phone off and said I would control everything.”
The Fiorentina star discussed the interest around Europe in him and how he deals with that pressure.
“I talk about everything with my parents and my managers. I have a great season behind me, I am aware that I have taken a serious step in my career. Fiorentina are not a small club, but a big team in Italy, which has a tradition, fans, players.
“But, as a young man, I already got used to the country that welcomed me with open arms. I thought that next season I had to establish myself as a player, to repeat the season like that, which was like a fairytale. And to qualify for Europe with the club.”
He commented on whether he wants to stay in Florence or if he’s ready to move on to another club.
“I’ve said it several times so far. There is a good football story being made here in Florence. We have a good team, great players, great support from the fans. Everything deserves respect.
“Only God knows what will happen in the next period. My desire is to take Fiorentina to Europe, because we haven’t been in Europe for a long time. We’ll see.”
Vlahovic touched on his relationship with Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso.
“He is, above all, a serious man and a great president, who knows what he wants at all times. He is very ambitious.
“Obviously I have nothing against his will, because it’s all part of the job. I never back down, it’s not in my character. I strive for the highest standards in everything.”
He refused to rule out a contract renewal with the Viola.
“Never say never. But at the moment I am focused on new victories.”
Finally, Vlahovic commented on his goals for 2022.
“I want 2022 to be even better than the previous one, to be the best in the world and score even more goals, for Fiorentina to be consistently at the top of Italian football.”
Vlahovic: "Accordo con Commisso? Mai dire mai. Ora voglio portare la Fiorentina in alto" https://t.co/lB6Pxc4D7V
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) January 3, 2022
Good striker
A great professional,that you can’t dislike.
The only thing to do is to wish him the best of luck in his career away from the most beautiful city in the world.