New Fiorentina signing Christian Kouame says he “couldn’t believe it when the club called,” following his January move from Genoa.
Kouame signed for the Viola despite being injured, but the club’s director of sport Daniele Prade had no doubts.
“Christian is a strong player. Buying a player in January who is injured may seem like a risk, but he is not,” Prade said at Kouame’s unveiling.
“His sugery was done well and he might be back on the pitch in April, even if we are aiming for next season.
New Fiorentina signing Christian Kouame says he “couldn’t believe it when the club called,” following his January move from Genoa.
Kouame signed for the Viola despite being injured, but the club’s director of sport Daniele Prade had no doubts.
“Christian is a strong player. Buying a player in January who is injured may seem like a risk, but he is not,” Prade said at Kouame’s unveiling.
“His sugery was done well and he might be back on the pitch in April, even if we are aiming for next season.
“He is a striker who attacks space and is also good with his head. Now we have to think about the present and get points.”
Kouame then stated that he didn’t believe Fiorentina wanted him.
“I would like to thank the club, who have believed in me. When they called my agent I couldn’t believe it. I never thought of leaving Genoa in January," said Kouame.
“I knew that Fiorentina are a great club, whilst I was doing physiotherapy on the Wednesday before the end of the transfer market, they called my agent and asked if I would like to sign for the club.
“I woke up at five in the morning and I went.”
Kouame revealed that he has several role models, and originally wanted the No 11 shirt, before settling on No 9.
“My role idol was Didier Drogba, which is why I wanted the No 11 shirt, but I also liked Samuel Eto’o. I would like to score the same amount of goals as them.”
Franck Ribery joined the Viola last summer, and had been one of their best players this season prior to his injury.
“To see Ribery in the locker room is incredible. I almost can’t believe it. For me it is a dream to play together with a champion like him.”