'Last season wasn't very positive' - Wilfried Gnonto makes Leeds United admission after Fiorentina switch
Wilfried Gnonto has opened up on his move from Leeds United to Fiorentina
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has admitted he “needed something different” following his loan switch to Fiorentina.
The 22-year-old returned to his native Italy on a season-long loan deal on deadline day having found opportunities limited at Elland Road.
He was afforded just four Premier League starts last term and Fiorentina have an option to make his move permanent.
Wilfried Gnonto on Leeds United departure
In a press conference, Gnonto has opened up on his move away from West Yorkshire.
As reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, he said: “I was calm, but I really hoped this deal would materialise. I needed something different, given that last season wasn't very positive.”
Gnonto was already a senior Italy international when he arrived at Leeds from FC Zurich in 2022. He has been capped by his country on 13 occasions, yet has not featured for Gli Azzurri at senior level for three years.
He said: “From a national team perspective, I think Italy was the best solution. I was lucky enough to adapt well here right away; everyone welcomed me very warmly. I hope to do my best.
“I didn't mind not being called back to Italy, but I was born and raised here and I missed it. I wasn't in a rush to return, but when a club like Fiorentina calls you, it's something different.
“As an Italian, I know what it means, and it's a huge responsibility. I learned a lot abroad because I left when I was 16. I grew up abroad, as a man and as a footballer. I hope to bring these experiences to Italy too.
“Another decisive factor was the fans. In Leeds, everyone is a United fan, and in Florence, everyone is a Fiorentina fan. If they support us, we'll achieve great things.”
One in and one out
Gnonto has made three appearances for Fiorentina and opened his account earlier this week, netting in a Coppa Italia win over Pisa.
Leeds replaced the Italian with Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who was drafted in on loan from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
A France Under-21s international, the 21-year-old has not yet been handed a debut for the Whites. As part of the deal, there is a conditional obligation to make his move to LS11 a permanent one.