Dear Viola fans, I’m finally able to write to you now, albeit from afar. I’ve given a lot of thought to how and what to write. In the end, I’ve decided just to speak from the heart. Many, many thanks for the incredible support you’ve shown me over the last two years. Things didn’t turn out how we desired or deserved, but unfortunately that’s life. And that’s why I decided to leave. It was a tremendously difficult decision to take. When I said goodbye to my team-mates on Tuesday and was driving around the city, I felt truly saddened. It was one of the most emotional, difficult moments of my career, because the city of Florence and you fans are in my heart. I could always feel your devotion and knew that you always wanted the best for me, even during the tougher times like when I was injured. It was amazing! You always supported me – at the stadium, in the streets, in restaurants. It left me speechless and delighted all at the same time. Unfortunately, things didn’t go so well on the pitch. But I don’t ever want to forget this period, especially on the human level. It’s tough to find the right words to express myself, but I want to thank you for all the love you showed me. And I hope you’ll win the Scudetto this year! See you again – that’s for sure. Florence is like a home to me now! Forza Viola forever! Mario Gomez
]]>

Davide Astori was officially unveiled as a Fiorentina player today, with Viola sporting director Daniele Pradè there to introduce him. “We’ve signed a strong, professional, dependable player who knows all about putting the hard yards in,” Pradè declared to the assembled press. Astori himself then explained his reasons for choosing Florence: “At Fiorentina everything in place for success: we have a great coaching team and a solid group. The Napoli link was just a summer thing – that’s over now.” The defender was then asked if he was ready for the expectation of the Viola faithful: “It doesn’t faze me. The club has some high ambitions and I think the results my new team-mates have achieved over the summer show I’ve made the right decision.” Asked whether Paulo Sousa’s playing system might force him to adapt him game, Astori replied: “I don’t think so, I’m happy in either a three-man or four-man defence. Having two defensive midfielders in front of the defence helps to create a link with the midfield proper. Sousa is a very charismatic manager and will bring a European flavour to the Italian league.” Finally, Astori explained his choice of shirt number and spoke of his ambitions for the national side: “I chose No. 13, because that’s the number I wore at Cagliari. In terms of the Italian national team, I have a great relationship with Antonio Conte and would like to earn myself a spot with the Azzurri.” ]]>

Catch Fiorentina’s friendlies against Lucchese and Iraklis live on www.violachannel.tv on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August from 19:00 CEST. You will be able to watch the matches on Apple, Android and Windows devices (tablets and smartphones) as well as computers and laptops.
]]>

ACF Fiorentina is delighted to announce that Davide Astori has completed his transfer to the club. The 28-year-old defender, born in San Giovanni Bianco on 7 January 1987, joins from Cagliari Calcio on a paid loan with a view to a compulsory purchase. An AC Milan academy product, Astori has played for Cagliari and Roma in Serie A and has made 10 appearances for the Italy national team, scoring once.
]]>

Paulo Sousa has included the following players in the travelling party for tomorrow’s International Champions Cup match against English champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: Alonso, Babacar, Badelj, Bagadur, Bernardeschi, Borja, Fazzi, Fernandez, Gilberto, Gonzalo, Hegazi, Ilicic, Joaquin, Lezzerini, Pasqual, Rebic, Roncaglia, Rossi, Sepe, Suarez, Tatarusanu, Tomovic, Vecino. ]]>