Champions League lured Jovetic

Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic said he stayed at the club as president Mario Cognigni told him they would vie for the Champions League.

Following a disappointing 2011-12 campaign in which the Viola finished just 10 points above the relegation zone in Serie A, the club recruited a host of new signings.

The likes of David Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alberto Aquilani and Luca Toni arrived, and Fiorentina find themselves in sixth place in the standings, four poin
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ts off Napoli in third.

“I could’ve departed Fiorentina and I had some big offers, but I decided to remain in Florence. The president promised to bring in big names so we can challenge for a Champions League place soon,” Jovetic told Vijesti.

“Our goal is to finish in the top three and reach the Champions League. For now I’m not thinking about a move to a bigger club, but if it’s going to happen, then it will.

“If I leave Florence, then I’d like to stay in Serie A because I am happy here. Of course the Ballon d’Or would be a dream for me, but there is a lot of competition for the award.”

Fiorentina’s next league game sees them welcome Siena at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.