Riccardo Saponara appeared at a press conference during Fiorentina’s Moena training camp on Friday morning.

Check out what the midfielder had to say below…

On Vincenzo Italiano…

“I get on well with the coach – there’s a great relationship there. He respects me and knows how to get the best out of me. There’s a good chance that I’ll stay at Fiorentina this season and I would be happy to do so. Knowing the coach already, I definitely have a bit of an advantage on my team-mates, but everyone will have the chance to get to grips with his tactics.”

On his position…

“I started out playing behind the strikers at Ravenna and Empoli. I enjoyed my time playing out wide at Spezia – I like that position. I’m happy to do whatever the coach asks of me.”

On Dusan Vlahovic

“He’s kind of like my little brother. I was really impressed by him straight away. All players have their own journeys and need to find the right place to develop. Dusan showed what he has in his locker last season.”

On his season with Stefano Pioli

“The memories of that season are still very much alive – they will stay with us forever. A really strong bond was created between that group.”

On whether he has any regrets…

“They don’t teach you how to have a football career at school. My first few years at a high level left a mark, but you make a lot of mistakes when you’re 20 years old. When I look back, there are regrets there – but I’m happy with who I am as a person. Now I just want to enjoy what’s to come. I want to enjoy my football and help my team-mates out.”