Viola striker Khouma Babacar and ACF Fiorentina managing director Andrea Rogg sat down with the gathered media in the press room at the team’s training camp in Moena to talk about the Viola striker’s recent five-year contract extension. Rogg explained: “Together with Babacar we’ve finally written down in black and white that we want to move forward together. Babà will stay with us for another five years and he’s bought into Fiorentina’s plans 100%. This agreement testifies the owners’ desire to invest and keep on growing.” The Viola official then fielded questions from journalists on a range of topics, starting with Mario Gomez and Mohamed Salah. “We’ve had lots of requests for Gomez and we’re in the process of discussing with the player what to do. “As for the Salah situation, we feel we have more than one reason to be able to sit down and discuss things amicably with Chelsea.” Rogg also commented on the club’s plans in the transfer market and confirmed that Andrea Della Valle is expected to visit the team this week. “We’ll making some carefully planned signings to further the growth of the group we already have here. “Andrea Della Valle will probably come up here this week. He wants to get a feel for the team himself.” The Senegalese striker, 22, also took questions from reporters. Is this renewal with Fiorentina a big step up for you?
“I’ve got a lot of work to do because I’m just starting out in my career. I wanted to stay at Fiorentina – sign a new deal and stay here.” What about Federico Bernardeschi?
“He’ll sign a new contract too.” Do you feel you’re ready for a regular starting berth?
“I just have to get my head down and keep working away so that my team-mates and I can have a great season.” What do you expect from the club?
“Nothing, I just want the season to start.” Did you receive any offers from other clubs?
“Yes, but Fiorentina is where I want to be.” What targets have you set yourself?
“I’d like to make a big contribution to the team and win some silverware.” Do you have a message for the fans?
“Come to the stadium and give us a hand because we’re up for it.” What did Montella teach you?
“He showed me how to play the game. I’m grateful to him for that.” And Sousa?
“He’s been a big help. He’s a fantastic coach.” What do you think of Diakhate?
“He’s a very good player. I hope he goes a long way.” ]]>

Viola skipper Manuel Pasqual met with the gathered media in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Cesare Benatti in Moena today. Here you can read a selection of the veteran full-back’s thoughts. On how Fiorentina are shaping up for the new campaign:
“There’s a lot of energy and buzz about the place. We had three fantastic years under Montella and maybe people on the outside didn’t quite realise the extent of it. Now we need to focus on kicking on with the new coach and his staff.” On Salah:
“Perhaps he should have checked if the signed document was valid. Sadly, as things stand, we’ve lost a player who had us all on the edge of our seats. I’m sure whoever comes in to replace him will do brilliantly.” On Paulo Sousa:
“I haven’t had the chance to get to know him that well yet but he seems to be frank and focused.” On Mario Gomez:
“Mario is important to us. He and Rossi are our first signings for the new season.” On his personal objectives:
“I’m setting out to prove myself, to lift some silverware with Fiorentina and earn my place in the Italy squad.” On Fiorentina’s up-and-coming youngsters:
“Zanon looks like a handy player and I think Bangu, Capezzi and Camporese will go a long way.” On other teams strengthening:
“Inter have spent big but none of the other clubs have done that much. Fiorentina? Let’s keep calm, The transfer window is open until the end of August.” On Federico Bernardeschi:
“My advice for him is to talk to the club and coach and ask them for advice.” On Mario Balotelli:
“He’s a tremendously talented player but that doesn’t mean he’s going to end up at Fiorentina.” ]]>

ACF Fiorentina’s pre-season friendly against Gyirmot Gyor in Moena will be streamed live on www.violachannel.tv from 17:30 CEST this Wednesday, 15 July 2015. You will also be able to watch the Viola in action via Apple, Android and Windows devices (tablets and smartphones). ]]>