Gnonto: ‘I needed Fiorentina after not positive season with Leeds United’
FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 5: Wilfred Gnonto of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Wilfried Gnonto admits he ‘missed Italy’ when playing for Leeds United and jumped at the chance to join Fiorentina. ‘I needed something different, as last season was not positive.’
The forward was a product of the Inter youth academy, but with limited options for regular playing time, he was sold to FC Zurich in 2020, then moved on to Leeds United in 2022.
Despite earning appearances for the senior Italy squad at that time, his international career stalled with the Leeds United relegation, and this was one of the reasons behind his deadline day transfer to Fiorentina.
It was reportedly a loan for €1m with option to buy for a further €15m at the end of the season.
“This is my first senior club experience in Italy really, and I am happy to be at a club like Fiorentina, so I hope to repay their faith in me,” said Gnonto in a presentation press conference held today.
“I am grateful to Roberto Mancini for the opportunity he gave me with Italy. Now I am focused on giving my best for Fiorentina and sending more signals to the Italy staff.
“I was born and grew up in Italy, so of course I missed it. I wasn’t in a rush to return as such, but if a club like Fiorentina calls, that is different. As an Italian, I know what this represents, and it is a big responsibility.
“I left Italy when I was 16, so I learned a lot in Switzerland and England, as a player and a man, now I hope to use those experiences in Italy.”
Leeds United were reticent to let Gnonto leave without a replacement, so it was a very late transfer in the summer.
“I really hoped it would go through, as I needed something different, seeing as last season was not very positive. I also think for international duty, playing in Italy was the best solution.
“That Leeds squad was young, but that was the secret, as we were all starting out together on this adventure. Another decisive factor was the fans, as in Leeds everyone supports United, just as in Florence everyone supports Fiorentina.”
It has been far from a smooth transition, because soon after his arrival, Fiorentina fired coach Fabio Grosso to bring back Paolo Vanoli.
“I didn’t know him, but he said that we were starting off with a clean slate, to forget everything that happened before. We started from the basics, defending as a group, and that made the difference, because we already have quality players,” noted Gnonto.
“I don’t set any particular targets for myself, I am focused right now on improving my fitness levels and playing as much as possible. I did admittedly make a bet with Cher Ndour on which of us would score more goals, and I don’t think I can lose that…”
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