'I'll always be one of you' - Wilfried Gnonto shares poignant farewell message after Leeds United exit
Wilfried Gnonto has issued a farewell message following his move from Leeds United to Fiorentina
Wilfried Gnonto has shared a poignant farewell message following his deadline day move from Leeds United to Fiorentina.
The 22-year-old has returned to his native Italy, joining Serie A outfit Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal. He may have only penned a loan contract, but I Viola have an option to make his move permanent.
Leeds fans, therefore, may have seen the last of the affable Italian in their club’s colours.
Wilfried Gnonto’s Leeds United farewell
Posting on Instagram, the winger said: “Wishing everyone at Leeds United an amazing season. I’ll always be one of you.”
A number of his Leeds teammates - including Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Noah Okafor - have responded with messages of support.
Gnonto is undeniably a gifted operator but was afforded just four Premier League starts last season. Leeds were looking to add to their attack late in the window, suggesting Gnonto was not set to play a more prominent role.
Wilfried Gnonto ‘raring to go’
He now has an opportunity to breathe life back into his career in Serie A - and potentially force his way back into the Italy fold.
After putting pen to paper, Gnonto told Fiorentina’s website: “I’m delighted to be here. It’s an honour for me to join Fiorentina. I couldn't wait to get started.
“I’ve come back but this is my first experience in Serie A at senior level. To be able to do that at a club like Fiorentina is a source of pride for me. I can’t wait to get out there and get to know all my teammates.
“Yes, I'm young but I've had lots of different experiences which have helped me to grow and improve. Now I want to show what I can do in Italy.
“I’m raring to go. I really wanted to come here and I’m happy. Now comes the best part. I know what I have to give. I know what my strengths are and I want to put them at the service of the team, the coach and everyone here.”
Leeds have replaced Gnonto with Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who has joined the Whites from Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan-to-buy basis.