Fanshots

OFFICIAL: Diamanti signs for Watford

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Fiorentina fan's favourite Alessandro Diamanti has officially joined the Italian contingent at English Premier League club Watford FC. Last season's six month loan at Fiorentina from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande was his second spell with the viola but after a promising start, Alino's form dipped - scoring only two goals. Viola Nation wishes him all the best, though - his crazy antics and sense of humour will be sorely missed!

Kalinic is in Florence to sign with Fiorentina

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Barring another calamitous break in negotiations, the 27 year old Croatian international striker will move to Fiorentina from Dnipro on a four year deal. More news when it arrives!

Mario Gomez writes to Viola fans

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Dear Viola fans,

Now, with a bit of distance, I finally write to you. I have thought at length about what and how to write to you. And in the end I'll let my heart speak. Many many thanks for the mega support on your part for the last two years. Things haven't gone as we all would have liked, and we didn't deserve that.

But unfortunately that's how it went. And for this reason I have decided to leave. It was a tremendously difficult decision to make on my part! And when I said farewell to my now ex-teammates on Thursday and was then driving about the city, it was a truly sad moment for me. An emotional moment among the most difficult of my career, because I will carry the city of Florence and most of all you fans in my heart. The devotion and the feeling that you always wanted the best for me, in both years, even in difficult moments like my [first] injury. It was impressive! You have always always cheered for me, at the stadium, on the street, in the restaurants - what a crowd! It leaves me speechless but at the same time it makes me very happy.

Unfortunately this didn't work out well on a sporting level. All the same, I would never have wanted to skip this stop in my career. Maybe as a player [I would], but definitely not as a human being! It's hard to find the right words, but I thank you all for your love! I hope you win the Scudetto! And we will see each other, this is for sure. At this point, Florence is my home.

Forza Viola! Sempre!

Mario Gomez

This was my personal translation, apologies for inaccuracies. Darling Mario also made some mistakes in his Italian, but they were still charming as it meant that he actually wrote it himself. The official Fiorentina website has the full (Italian) text up.

Astori is officially a Fiorentina player

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As predicted this weekend, Fiorentina has made official the arrival of Davide Astori. The club communication details that the Italian joins the Viola on loan with the obligation to buy next season.

Check out the full story on the Fiorentina pursuit of the 28 year old central defender here.

OFFICIAL: Mario Gomez signs for Beşiktaş

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Mario Gomez has made his move to Beşiktaş official and has posed with their shirt. He will now travel to Istanbul to be unveiled in front of their fans this afternoon. The deal will consist of a full season loan, followed by a pre-set option to buy. Ciao Mario, we wish you the best of luck!

Borja Valero's wife hates his beard

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One of the notable developments from Fiorentina's trip to New York City has been the growth and hipsterization of Borja Valero's occasional beard... I suppose proximity to Williamsburg didn't help.

But apparently Borja's facial hair expansion has been undertaken without the knowledge of his wife, Florentine darling Rocio, who tweeted at him today "I don't know what's worse, coming home to find you with another woman, or to find you with that f-ing beard" ... To which Borja replied "the more people against it, the more reason to keep it still! #beard"

Adorable shenanigans from Fiorentina's first family. Also, the whole exchange was in Italian instead of their usual Spanish.

WATCH: Fan angle of Giuseppe Rossi scoring against PSG

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I may be some things, but I am not a cameraman. Regardless, enjoy this angle of our Pepito burying his penalty kick during last night's match in New Jersey. We Viola Nation-ers were pretty close to the field, so there will be more media to come!

Gonzalo enjoying vacation by rocking out

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Not sure if this is "his" band or if he is a special guest performer, but with thing is for sure, he sounds GREAT on that lead guitar!

Polite Fiorentina statement confirms that some legal action will take place

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It's unclear what - if any - legal recourse is available to Fiorentina after Mohammed Salah's non-response yesterday. Certainly the Viola will attempt to regain the 1 million Euro already paid to Chelsea for the renewal of Salah's loan. Unfortunately, it seems that this ordeal is not yet over.

Babacar announces new contract with Fiorentina on Instagram

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Con la viola fino 2019 e firmato il posto dv sn nato ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

A photo posted by Elhadji Babacar Khouma (@babacar_khouma_30) on

The new deal apparently keeps the Senegalese striker and Primavera product at Fiorentina until 2019 after a breakout season this past campaign. Babacar is seen above signing the contract at home surrounded by his family. The new fan favorite scored some stunning and clutch goals this year, and the Viola faithful will be very glad that Baba will staying in Florence.