Willy Gnonto makes Leeds United admission on move to Fiorentina with fans factor as winger opens account

Willy Gnonto has made a frank Leeds United admission on his move to Fiorentina with a Whites fans factor en route to his switch to Serie A.

Gnonto joined Leeds back in September 2022 from Swiss side FC Zurich and the winger played a big part in firing the Whites back to the Premier League after the club’s relegation in 2023.

Gnonto, though, found game time limited upon the club’s return to the country’s top flight and the 22-year-old sealed a summer window switch to Serie A side Fiorentina on transfer deadline day as Leeds brought in Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Gnonto opened his goalscoring account for Fiorentina on Tuesday as he scored the second goal in a 3-0 victory against Copa Italia visitors Pisa, after which the winger reflected on his move to the club and leaving the Whites.

The Italian has continually spoken extremely highly of Leeds and the club’s fans but the winger admits he ultimately needed something very different after a 2025-26 season which was not very positive on a personal front.

In more praise for Leeds, the winger said the similarities in United and Fiorentina having supporters following a one club city also proved decisive in the move.

“I really hoped it would go through, as I needed something different”

Speaking at a presentation held on Wednesday and as quoted by Football Italia, Gnonto said: “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.

“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.”