Pipping Saint-Etienne to the signing of Jordan Veretout from Aston Villa with a late €7m bid, Fiorentina are already reaping the benefits from a happy version of the midfielder.
Starting all three of the Serie A side’s league games this season, the former Villain helped out on Sunday by scoring one of La Viola’s five goals in a 5-0 rout away to Hellas Verona.
Loaned to the aforementioned Ligue 1 side last year, the 25-year-old was doing everything in his power to leave Villa Park over the summer, and while a return to France seemed the likeliest outcome, a new adventure in Italy presented itself, and he’s really enjoying it.
This is, at least, what his agent, Fabrice Picot, told Firenze Viola on Monday when he was asked by the fan website about his client’s adaptation to the new town and country.
He said: “Jordan feels great in Florence, both in the city and in the team. He is undoubtedly enjoying a good period in his career.”
These were words never heard during his time at Aston Villa, first during the season ending in relegation to the Championship, and certainly not last year, when his escape plan was already set in motion.
At one point Steve Bruce suggested Veretout could stay at Aston Villa, but it was always unlikely given the player’s ambitions.
During his time in the Midlands, Veretout picked up five assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.
