Tuesday 27 December 2016 09:59, UK
Gaetano D'Agostino has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Fiorentina in January.
Gaetano D'Agostino has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Fiorentina in January so that he could help Udinese in their survival battle.
The two sides met in Serie A at the weekend, with the Viola winning 4-1 to leave Udinese just four points above the relegation zone.
D'Agostino, who missed the match due to a knee injury, claims he could have joined Fiorentina during the winter but did not want to abandon Udinese.
"It's obviously pleasing to be contacted by clubs like the Viola as they are a big team in Italian football," the Italy midfielder told Firenzeviola.it.
"But I am what I am and I was not fond of the idea of leaving Udinese in January.
"It was also a question of pride. I wanted to stay because of this. I don't like leaving a ship in distress.
"I knew I could give my team-mates some important help, then this injury came along which ruined everything..."
D'Agostino hopes to play some part in Udinese's run-in after undergoing knee surgery in February.
He said: "The comeback is still far away. It should take three more weeks, maybe a month."
