Fiorentina legend Daniel Bertoni was interviewed during his visit to Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park.

How does it feel to be back in Florence in such a special year?

“It’s impossible to explain. There are few other facilities like Viola Park around the world. I’m very excited to be here. I’m honored to be here to celebrate Fiorentina’s centenary.”

You played many amazing games, for example that brace against Juventus. What’s the game you’re most proud of?

“All my matches are important to me, but I remember in particular those against the best teams in the league, so Roma, Juventus, Milan and Inter. I scored many goals against Inter.”

You played with many top players here in Florence. Did you have a special bond with anyone in particular? 

“I got along with almost everyone. I still call and talk with Giancarlo Antognoni.”

What great Fiorentina player would you have liked to play with?

“Two players: [Gabriel] Batistuta and Rui Costa. I liked Rui Costa’s playing style; he had class. I’d say these two.”

Going back to that Scudetto you almost won, are there any games that you think about that could’ve gone differently?

“I often think about that 0-0 draw against Juventus here in Florence. Juventus had Giovanni Trapattoni as their coach, who was great. They prevented us from playing and that was a very smart move.”

Regarding your time at Fiorentina, would you say that you gave it everything? Do you have any regrets?

“My regret is that we didn’t win the league title, but I gave it everything.”

Do you think that if you could play that season again you could win it, or was that the best you could do?

“We were as good as Juventus. They were a great team and so were we.”

This season there are many new players as well as many who have remained. If you could play with one of the players in the squad, who would that be?

“[Christ Inao] Oulai, the midfielder. He’s an excellent playmaker. I watched him play in Fiorentina’s first Coppa Italia game of the season against Benevento. The team can really aim high.”

You played for many teams with very passionate fans. What makes Fiorentina different?

"The average Florentine can be very critical, but is passionate about the team. Every Sunday, when we took to the pitch, we’d hear fans shouting our names and it really meant a lot.”

What words would you use to describe Fiorentina?

“Love, nation, everything.”

Anything you want to say to our fans?

“Forza Viola! Hopefully, they can qualify for the Conference League or the Europa League or even the Champions League.”