Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has penned a farewell message to Fiorentina fans after the collapse of a permanent switch to the Italian club.
The Uruguay international first joined the Gunners from Sampdoria in 2018 and enjoyed early success under former manager Unai Emery.
But the 26-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements over recent seasons and sent out on loans to Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina.
Torreira enjoyed a successful loan spell at Fiorentina during the 2021/22 campaign, scoring five goals in 31 Serie A appearances.
The Italian club had an option to buy the midfielder for £13million included in the season-long loan deal, but that has not been activated.
Taking to social media, Torreira confirmed he will not be joining Fiorentina on a permanent basis this summer even though he wanted to, and laid the blame on unnamed people at the club for preventing the move from happening.
‘Dear Fiorentina fans, unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye,’ Torreira said
‘It is with great sadness that my bond with Fiorentina is ended. A club that gave me so much love and support for all this time.
‘From the start, you made me feel at home. I discovered a marvellous city that was always kind to me, both on and off the field. Thanks to your trust, I was able to rediscover the consistency and form I wanted.
‘I owe that to my teammates and all the fans who gave me energy game after game. I want you to know that I always gave everything on the pitch for these colours.
‘A special thank you to the staff of the club: chefs, managers, physiotherapists, managers and security.
‘I want you to know that I did my very best to continue being part of this club, but unfortunately some – acting in my view in a negative fashion – managed to prevent that from happening, so this is why I must leave.
‘I wish you all the best for the future. You will have another fan applauding from wherever it is I will go. Forza Viola, Lucas Torreira.’
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