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City bound Jovetic says goodbye to Fiorentina

Stevan Jovetic admitted his experience at Fiorentina was one he will never forget © PA Photos

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Stevan Jovetic has bid a fond farewell to Fiorentina after deciding to leave the club for Premier League side Manchester City.

City have agreed to pay the Viola the €30 million they were demanding for the Montenegro forward, who is on his way to Manchester to undergo a medical and agree personal terms.

Despite losing some support after flirting with a move to Fiorentina's bitter rivals Juventus this summer, Jovetic leaves Florence with a clear conscience and says it was an experience he will never forget.

"Florence will always have a place in my heart," he told firenzeviola.it. "It's not like I was only here for a day, I'm going to miss it.

"It's a beautiful city and I was happy with absolutely everything, particularly the people. It's only normal that they are a bit annoyed now, but I never said or did anything bad towards them, or towards Fiorentina.

"Just try to understand me. I am still young and I know that I gave everything for this shirt. I just wanted a change of scenery."

That change has led the 23-year-old to accept an offer from City, an offer which will allow him to play in the Champions League once again next season after immortalising himself in Florence with his two goals against Liverpool in that very same competition in 2009.

"I'm delighted to be going to City, believe me. They are a huge club and they play in the Premier League. I really want to win something, and then I will also meet my great friend [Matija] Nastasic there."

Jovetic acknowledged that he could also have won something with Fiorentina next season. The signing of Mario Gomez and return to fitness of Giuseppe Rossi mean La Viola, who finished fourth last term, are being touted as serious Scudetto challengers.

"Maybe they can [win the Serie A title]," Jovetic said. "They have an incredible squad. I'm delighted for them. I'll always have a bond with the viola colours and will remain a fan, of course.

"I spent some wonderful years with this shirt. I was only a lad when I arrived and I leave as a man and as a footballer. I'd like to thank everybody. There'll always be a bit of Florence in my heart."

Once the initial disappointment has passed, Fiorentina's fans are also likely to remember 'Jo-Jo' fondly too. His 40 goals in 135 games contributed to one of the most successful periods in the club's recent history.

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