Mevale Kone is set to play for Daniele Galloppa's Fiorentina Primavera this year, after being loaned to Fiorentina U18s for the Viareggio Tournament last season.

The 18-year-old Ivorian winger has been in Italy for three years and caught the eye while playing for Vigor Senigallia in Serie D last term.

He sat down with us to chat about his career so far and his hopes and aspirations for what is to come.

You're one of the most recent arrivals at Fiorentina Primavera. How are you finding it here?

“I feel very good. I've only just joined but I'm already familiar with the set-up because I played for Fiorentina in the Viareggio Cup. That helped me get my bearings because I was training with the team and playing game with them. We enjoyed some great wins together too, so I loved it. There were no surprises, shall we say. It was like coming home.”

What an experience Viareggio must have been for you.

“It was. It's a shame we lost the final but it was a fantastic experience nonetheless.” 

How did you start playing football? 

“I started very young. My dad used to play. I played in my local neighborhood in my home city all the time – morning and afternoon. When my dad saw I had a bit of talent he got me into a team. It's largely thanks to my dad that I fell in love with football.”

You were born and grew up in the Ivory Coast. How did you end up in Italy and at Fiorentina?

“It was fate that brought me to Italy. I dreamed of becoming a footballer but I never thought I'd come to Italy this way. Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed. I'm really happy in Italy. I started at a very low level, in Seconda Categoria [eighth tier] and slowly worked my way up. I spent half a season in Seconda Categoria with Trecastelli and immediately there was interest from some big clubs, but I ended up going to Vigor Senigallia. That was a fantastic experience for me but I never thought that within a year I'd be at Fiorentina. I'm happy with the path I've taken.”

How are things going with Galloppa? Is there anything in particular he's asked you to work on?

“Yes, running in behind, laying off and tactics. I'm learning a lot from him every day – from him and all the other members of staff. They're very nice to me. Besides, Galloppa reminds me of my old coach in Serie D, [Aldo] Clementi. They have a similar playing style. We have a very good relationship.”

What about the team? Are there any team-mates you get on particularly well with?

“All of them. They all call me 'Manu Kone'. We've bonded well and we joke together. I've settled in well. It's like a family.”

Who's your football idol?

“Well, I've changed recently because when I started out I was a midfielder, so I looked up to [Luka] Modric. When I moved out to the wing, I started watching videos of Neymar and [Lamine] Yamal. [Hatem] Ben Arfa too. I watched a lot of videos to pick up their skills.”

What targets do you have with Fiorentina this season?

“The team goals come first of course. I hope to win a trophy, maybe the one we lost last season. I wasn't here then but I wanted Fiorentina to win. As for personal objectives: to get lots of goals and assists to help the team succeed.”

What about your career goals?

“I'd like to make my Serie A debut and stay there, or maybe go to the Premier League, and play with the seniors – that's my first dream. I know it's difficult but nothing is impossible with hard work and the help of your coach and team-mates. If you work hard, you reap the rewards.”