Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic was exclusively interviewed by TLN TV to discuss his career at the club, his contract extension, current manager Vincenzo Italiano, Serbian teammates Luka Jovic, Dusan Vlahovic, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and much more.
Fiorentina Career
Milinkovic joined Fiorentina back in the Summer of 2017. Since then, he has become a pillar in La Viola’s backline.
“I imagined my arrival here would have been fine… I’m happy, I’m in my sixth season… I have grown in all aspects of football and as a man… This club helped me grow and I am always grateful for that…”
Contract Renewal
Despite being linked to various clubs inside and outside Italy, Milenkovic decided to put pen to paper to sign a five-year contract extension with Fiorentina.
“One key thing was the ambitions of the club. The confirmation of the coach was also crucial for me… Then there is the city of Florence, the fans, and the club that has given me so much… Fiorentina is also growing with infrastructure as we can see Viola Park should be ready in a little while which is a big thing for a club to have a high-level training centre…”
Vincenzo Italiano
Italiano-Ball has been of the most used words among calcio fans and for good reason. The German-born Italian manager has been deemed one of the most promising in Serie A after his success with Spezia and Fiorentina.
“His ideas of playing modern soccer, proactive soccer, forward with a very high defensive line, pressing the opponent very high, with lots of ball possession, dominance of the game. His ambition is to win, his character and ability to improve players and get the best out of everyone – these things certainly struck me…”
Luka Jovic
Jovic signed for Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a free transfer in the Summer of 2022. While he took some time to get going, he seems to have finally found his place in Florence.
“We are all here to help him settle in as quickly as possible and he is showing good things. Lately, he has been scoring goals and that is crucial for a striker to gain confidence… I see him very very well – serene – and I am sure that in the future he will give us a big hand…”
Dusan Vlahovic & Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Juventus’ Vlahovic and Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic are two of the most promising players in Serie A. Milenkovic has the privilege of not only playing against them but also playing with them on the Serbian national team.
“They are both great players with incredible qualities. Dusan is still very young, he has a lot to show even if he has done great things at only 22… He has great potential and he still has so much to show… Sergej is a very strong player that will make a difference on the field. He’s shown he can do great things, again and again, season after season, in Serie A. He is doing very well …”