Friday Poll: How do you feel about Antognoni leaving?

Fiorentina parted ways with Club Manager Giancarlo Antognoni this morning after weeks of rumors that the Viola legend was at loggerheads with the current brain trust of Daniele Pradè and Joe Barone. Il Unico 10, perhaps Fiorentina’s greatest-ever player, had reached the end of his 2-year contract and reportedly wanted to continue working with the first team, but was instead offered a role spotting and developing youth talent, prompting the 67-year-old to walk away.

I’ve translated the club’s official statement on the matter below:

“Following a meeting that took place this afternoon between General Director Joe Barone and Giancarlo Antognoni, Fiorentina notes, with deep regret, Antognoni’s desire not to continue his collaborative relationship with the Club. The Society had identified for Giancarlo Antognoni the role of Technical Director for the Youth Sector, a proposal and a role identified as an excellent and perfect solution for both. Giancarlo Antognoni’s innate flair and great skill in finding new talents had prompted the Club to offer him such an important role in an area, the Technical and Scouting area of the Youth Sector, which is the starting point for the future success of every Club. An area considered even more fundamental by Fiorentina as the great investment in youth with the future Viola Park demonstrates. Fiorentina, President Commisso and his family, General Director Joe Barone, Director of Sport Daniele Pradè, all the management and the Viola family for all he has given to Fiorentina in recent years and wish him the greatest satisfaction for his future, both human and professional. Giancarlo will always remain a Viola bandiera.”

While Antognoni has remained silent on the matter thus far, his wife Rita hasn’t held back, unloading both barrels in a Facebook post.

Here’s your weekend thread. Stay loose.