Nikola Kalinić talks about turning down 50 million euros to play in China in an interview with Corriere Fiorentino. Vecernji List helps report the details on February 11, 2017.
It was no surprise to any followers of the football world that Chinese Tianjin Quanjian F.C. has long been stalking Croatian footballer Nikola Kalinić.
Tianjin Quanjian F.C coach Fabio Cannavaro had the desire to bring the Croatian striker over to China back in January, and even offered a contract worth a jaw dropping 50 million euros. Kalinić, who currently plays for Italian Fiorentina, was not attracted to 10 million euros per season and ultimately decided to reject the offer - fans of Fiorentina rejoiced!
“January has been long and complicated, and I wanted to concentrate on my job. My choice was Fiorentina. All I needed to say was 'yes' and everything would be over. Actually I did not know how much the Chinese offer was, but money is not everything in life. I play at the top level and I did not want to leave. I think we can achieve much more,” Kalinić said in an interview with Corriere Fiorentino.
In China, the transfer period ends on February 28, and Cannavaro recently said that he has not yet given up on the Croat.
“He called me in January, but for me this topic is completed and will no longer be open for discussion. Coach Paulo Sousa told me to have a good think about what I will choose. He is a great coach and I owe him everything I have done in Italy. He wanted me with him and I was born again,” added the Croatian striker.
Nikola Kalinić has already scored 14 goals this season and made four assists in 28 games.
“Two weeks ago, I spoke with President Andrea Della Vallée and he told me that he was happy with my choice. I made the decision before I made the goal in the victory against Juventus in January. I do not blame the players who have accepted offers from China, but I did what I wanted. My family is doing well in Florence and our connection to the city is great. Now we are even more comfortable.”
Finally, Nikola Kalinić commented on that really big 50 million euro number…does he think he is worth it?
“I’m not worth that much money, and I think that no one will pay that much. In any case, I haven’t been asked anything, and everything is arranged by my manager and the club. I'd love for Fiorentina to play in the Champions League. While this season it will not be possible, the next season we will have a new opportunity,” Kalinić concluded.
