Wilfried Gnonto 'Really Hoped' to Leave Leeds United This Summer

· GiveMeSport

Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto, who left the club on loan this summer, says he was glad to secure an exit.

Leeds United loan exile Wilfried Gnonto says he 'really hoped' his Elland Road exit would go through late in the transfer window. Gnonto burst onto the scene at Leeds, becoming one of the few bright sparks in their last relegation season as a teenager. He then went on to score nine times during the Whites' promotion campaign back to the top flight, also providing eight goals the season before.

The Yorkshire club even kept some offers from big clubs at bay, but the 22-year-old ultimately saw his opportunities limited after Leeds' Premier League return, featuring regularly, but only starting around half of the club's games, 18 to be exact, while the rest of his appearances came from the bench, and he was also left on the bench 14 times.

Gnonto was liked for his energetic and fast-twitch approach and was once labelled a 'brilliant talent' by Frank McAvennie as well as 'unplayable' by the Athletic, but he did struggle for consistency, and a loan move this summer was seen as the best solution for all parties.

With Leeds also strengthening their squad, Fiorentina managed to agree a deal , which is reportedly worth €1million upfront and an option to buy worth €15million, which is much cheaper than some of the offers quoted a couple of seasons ago.

> Usually it’s grey and raining, but when you see Willy Gnonto the sun is shining. A guy with such a bright smile you just want to cuddle him, I love him so much. It was one of the most difficult decisions, but deep inside, we knew it was right - Daniel Farke

The youngster has already made three appearances for Fiorentina, scoring once, and speaking in his official presentation, which came later than his signing, he spoke of his relief in landing a move. He said : “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.”

On returning to Italy, he added: "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.

> "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.”

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