Wilfried Gnonto has admitted that he needed to leave Leeds United this summer, despite loving life at Elland Road.
The 23-year-old returned to Italy this summer with Fiorentina on loan, bringing an end to a four-year spell with Leeds.
The forward joined the Whites in a €4.5m deal in 2022 from FC Zurich, having previously joined the Swiss side after coming through the youth ranks at Inter Milan.
His star really rose at Leeds, where his first season in the Premier League saw him score two goals and register four assists in 24 games that year. That included a famous goal in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in February 2023.
Manchester United memory
That’s a moment he still looks back on fondly, and he insists his time at Leeds remains wonderful for him.
“Playing in the Premier League was a dream,” he told Fiorentina’s official channels.
“It was a wonderful experience that helped me grow a great deal. My first goal was special, as was the one against Manchester United at Old Trafford.”
Despite loving Leeds and his time there, he admits that he simply had to leave and get back to Italy this summer.
“I settled in quickly in Florence, that’s usually how it goes for me. I needed to return to Italy,” he added.
“Here, I feel at home and much more at ease. I enjoy riding my bike in the evening, when there are fewer people around, and I’ve already had a few instances where someone recognised me.
“It seems like everyone here supports Fiorentina. You run into Viola fans everywhere, and you really feel like you’re part of something big.”
What’s happening with Leeds United return
The question now is whether Gnonto can remain with Fiorentina in the long-term. At this moment in time, that doesn’t look likely.
He may be very happy in Florence, but they are not happy with him. He’s yet to score in nine games in Serie A and, crucially, has only featured in the starting 11, 11% of the time this season. He’s also only featured in 32% of the available minutes in the league.
Sport Witness have also reported that he could be sent back to Elland Road quickly if things don’t turn around soon. He needs a significant change in trajectory in the coming months if he is keep his Italian love affair going.
