Ndour on ‘terrific’ Mbappé, Fiorentina transfer and Spalletti claims

Cher Ndour Fiorentina back

New Fiorentina signing Cher Ndour is ‘happy’ Italy coach Luciano Spalletti spoke about him after a move to Fiorentina and admits Kylian Mbappé was ‘terrific’ in PSG training sessions.

The U21 Italy international joined Fiorentina on the deadline day.

It was a permanent transfer from PSG, but the promising central midfielder had spent the first part of the season on loan at Besiktas.

Ndour is a product of Brescia and Atalanta academy, who joined Benfica in 2020 before signing for PSG in 2023.

“My experience abroad was very important; I learned a lot in every team I played for. But the call of my country was too strong. It’s true that many clubs wanted me, but with this training centre, I believe Fiorentina is the right place for me,” Ndour said during his unveiling press conference on Wednesday via TMW.

“I am a classic No.8, I love playing box-to-box, but as the coach said, I can also play as an attacking midfielder. I am at the coach’s disposal and can play in any midfield role.

“As soon as I heard about Fiorentina, all other options disappeared for me,” he continued.

Ndour on training with Mbappé, Fiorentina transfer and Spalletti claims

“Florence was the right place. I’m happy that [Italy] coach Spalletti spoke about me, as well as about Casadei, and I hope to make it to the national team. It’s been my dream since I was a child.”

Fiorentina have signed many other Italian players in recent months, including Moise Kean last summer and Nicolò Zaniolo in January.

“Kayode had already told me a bit about this group,” continued Ndour.

“I found many young Italian players here, but I’m getting along with everyone. Hopefully, we can all make it to the national team.”

Why did he leave Italy in 2020?

“I always felt great at Atalanta, but at that moment, I felt the need for a change,” he said.

“I needed a new experience. Benfica also invest a lot in young players; just look at the path Joao Felix took. In France, I was impressed by Mbappé. What he does in training is terrific. But even at Besiktas, I played with important players like Joao Mario.

“I’ve been following Serie A for a long time, and I believe that adapting won’t be a problem with my physicality since this is a more physical and tactical league. I’ve already had the chance to discuss this with the coach.”

Is there a Fiorentina player he particularly liked?

“Fiorentina have an incredible history, but I have a special connection to Rui Costa,” said the 20-year-old.

“He did great things here as a player, and until a few years ago, he was my president. He has always been a great person to me, constantly giving me valuable advice, and I will always be grateful to him for that.”

Ndour made 22 appearances with Besiktas in the first part of the season, scoring one goal.

He won’t be available for the continuation of a Serie A game against Inter tomorrow but could make his debut in another game against the Nerazzurri next Monday.