Gnonto: ‘I wasn’t used to being around Italians anymore’ as Leeds exit looms

FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 15: Wilfred Gnonto of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 15, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Wilfried Gnonto admits he has had to get used to being around Italians again since returning to Serie A, as speculation grows that his Leeds United career is over.

Speaking to Fiorentina’s official channels, the 22-year-old winger, who joined the Viola on a season-long loan from Leeds in the summer, is settling in well.

“The weather, the food and speaking Italian every day. I’d been away for a while and I wasn’t used to being around Italians anymore. Everything is going well and I’m very happy. The lads aren’t hard to approach and spend time with. Things can only get better.”

He also credits coach Paolo Vanoli with sharpening his fitness.

“One of the things I’m sure I’ve improved on is the physical side. We’re working hard and running a lot. Mister Vanoli is making us run quite a bit, and I feel better physically. I’m at a pretty good point.”

Gnonto’s Leeds future in doubt as Fiorentina hold €21m option

Gnonto spent four years in England after joining Leeds from FC Zurich in 2022, making 147 appearances, and he believes the experience improved him.

“Italian and English football are different in terms of intensity. Over there, training sessions are a bit shorter and there’s less tactical work, but they’re more intense. Being there, I improved a lot in that respect. I think it’s important to have a balance between the two. In England there’s more calm and they’re a bit more relaxed. Football isn’t everything there, and maybe that’s better for your personal life.”

Fiorentina hold an option to buy him for a reported €21m, and BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope doubts he has a future under Daniel Farke after he slipped down the pecking order following the switch to a 3-4-2-1.

“It’s hard to see where Gnonto fits into Farke’s set-up any more, especially with him going back to Italy to play for Fiorentina on loan,” Pope said, with quotes via TeamTalk.

“In terms of the starting pecking order, Gnonto seems way down the list. Also, if Gnonto plays regularly in Serie A, then he has a chance of reclaiming his place with Italy under Roberto Mancini, who gave Gnonto his senior international debut four years ago.”