Wednesday 8 October 2014 10:46, UK
Graziano Pelle claims to have attracted interest from Fiorentina in January, but is happy to be at Southampton.
The 29-year-old completed a move to St Mary’s over the summer following two goal-laden seasons at Dutch side Feyenoord – the first of those on loan from Parma.
His exploits in the Eredivisie saw him draw admiring glances from across Europe, with a return to his native Italy mooted in the New Year.
Pelle admits approaches were made, but Feyenoord held out for the best possible price and ended up doing business with Southampton as they sought to rebuild following a number of high-profile exits.
“In January there was some contact from Fiorentina after Giuseppe Rossi got injured, but Feyenoord asked for a lot of money and the deal did not happen,” Pelle told a press conference.
“Going to Florence would have been a good opportunity, but I’m happy with how things went and to be at Southampton.”
Pelle has seen his decision to move to the Premier League justified, with his early-season performances in England – which have delivered five goals in all competitions – earning him a first call-up to the senior Italy squad.
He added: “It’s a special excitement to be here. I arrive at 29 years of age, but better late than never.
“I have now reached physical and mental maturity. It is my fault that I could not reach that level before.
“When I arrived in England I was hoping to have more of a chance of being called to the national team, playing in an important league, and that has proved to be the case.”
