Arriving at Fiorentina on loan from Leicester City on in early September, Rachid Ghezzal has yet to really integrate Vincenzo Montella’s first-team.
After playing just four minutes of football in his first seven games, the 27-year-old has featured more regularly in recent weeks, including a start in a 1-1 draw against Parma.
However, despite this lack of game time, Ghezzal is thoroughly enjoying himself in Italy, as he explained in an interview with Firenze Viola on Friday.
Asked how his first 100 days in Florence have gone, he said: “If I had to do a round up on a personal level, I’d say it’s be rather positive. Even if I haven’t played much, I’ve felt good: I have a good feeling during training, and the manager is asking me to help the team as much as possible.
“I’ve integrated well with everyone, they’ve helped me adapt quickly. The team isn’t a part of the top of the table, but we have a lot of room to grow and we can aim higher”.
The player, who only managed 19 appearances at King Power Stadium last season for Leicester City, then broke down the difference between the English town and Florence, where he currently resides.
He said: “It’s very different, both the city and the life. Florence is magnificent and my family feels good here. I hope to stay. The fans give great support to the team. Everyday, I find someone who tells me Forza Viola! and this makes me very happy”.
So, there you have it.
Fiorentina do have the opportunity to make the move permanent with an option to buy, but before they trigger that, Ghezzal might have to show a bit more than he has so far.
He needs chances, and the way things are going, it seems Montella might give him them.
