Lindelof regret for Fiorentina after Aston Villa triumph as free agent

Victor Lindelof won the Europa League with Aston Villa, but his season could’ve been so very different, as Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè revealed ‘we embarrassed him’ by dropping his deal.

The Swede had been a free agent last summer when his contract with Manchester United came to a conclusion, ending his eight-year spell at Old Trafford.

The central defender had been all set to sign for Fiorentina in Serie A, with the medicals booked and the negotiations completed.

However, the deal collapsed at the last minute because Lindelof was meant to be the replacement for Pietro Comuzzo, who then refused to make the planned transfer.

“We embarrassed Lindelof, but it was all tied to the departure of Comuzzo, who chose to say no to Al-Hilal,” revealed then-Fiorentina director of sport Pradè.

“Simone Inzaghi really wanted him in the team, and they had offered us €35m, but Comuzzo turned them down.”

Instead, Lindelof was left to wait until transfer deadline day before Aston Villa snapped him up as a free agent.

The 31-year-old made only 27 competitive appearances this season, contributing one assist, but proved decisive in his new tactical role as a midfielder.

He was in the starting XI for last night’s 3-0 Europa League Final victory over SC Freiburg in that position.