Italy international Marco Verratti revealed that Fiorentina had mad an inquiry for his services, however, his current club Paris Saint-Germain blocked the move.
Verratti had been linked with a move away from the French capital throughout the summer amid reports he was unsatisfied with his current deal at the Parc des Princes.
“I had contact with Fiorentina,” Verratti said to Sky Sport. “I really thank the club for their interest, but in the end I decided to stay with PSG and renew my contract.”
Verratti has only been with Paris Saint-Germain for a year after signing with the club last summer from relegated Pescara for an initial fee of €12 million, playing 39 times in all competitions for the French champions.
The 21-year-old also tipped the Viola as a potential challenger to Juventus for the scudetto, stating: “Fiorentina are a great side that have done a lot of reinforcing, and I wish them well this season.
“I am certain they will have a great campaign, and alongside Juve and Napoli fight for the scudetto.”
