Fiorentina’s latest loan acquisition Mohamed Salah expressed his happiness and excitement on getting ready to start a new journey in Florence.
The Egyptian winger was signed on loan from Premier League club Chelsea, with La Viola’s Juan Cuadrado going the other way on a permanent transfer. Salah also explained reporters why he chose to wear the No.74 jersey at the Serie A club.
“I want to play well at this club and win many trophies. I’m not going to go back to Chelsea,” said the 22-year-old at a conference.
“I chose the No.74 jersey to pay homage to the victims of the tragedy in the Port Said stadium. It seemed right to take this number so that I do not forget them.”
Salah also revealed the reason he decided to move to Italy and play for Vincenzo Montella’s side.
“The level of football is very high in Italy. Also, players such as [Gabriel] Batistuta, [Roberto] Baggio, [Alessandro] Del Piero and many others have been an inspiration to me.
“I played in a 4-3-3 formation at Basel and I can play as a right winger or a left winger and also as a second striker.”
The former Basel player struggled to cement a place in the starting line-up at Chelsea ever since his €13 million move from Basel last January and had made just three Premier League appearances this season.
“I spoke with the club [Chelsea] and I expressed my willingness to embark on a new adventure in order to play with more continuity.”
Salah then declared himself fit for the upcoming fixture against Atalanta at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday afternoon.
“On Sunday I will be available for the coach. I’m here to play and I will try to convince the coach to let me play forever.
“Also, I’m happy to be included in the Europa League squad but on the other hand I feel sorry for my teammates who got left out,” he concluded.
La Viola are currently sixth in the Serie A table on 32 points and will be hoping the likes of Salah fire them towards the Champions League places.
