'Who did good business?' - Liverpool star Federico Chiesa sent subtle jibe by former club Fiorentina following Juventus struggles

European Championship winner Chiesa left Florence when linking up with Juventus as part of a €60m (£51m/$67m) transfer back in 2020. He spent four years in Turin, taking in 131 appearances across all competitions, but only registered 32 goals.

Injuries held the talented forward back at times, preventing him from making the desired impact with the Bianconeri. After entering the final year of his contract, the decision has been made to take on a new challenge in England.

Commisso has faced criticism from supporters of his club for offloading their most prized assets – with Dusan Vlahovic and Nico Gonzalez also leaving for Juve – but Gazzetta dello Sport reports him as saying: “Well, what should I do if they [Juventus] are the only team that comes with the money? We made a great deal with Vlahovic, the most important in my five years. And look at Chiesa: I read that he joined Liverpool for €12m. I had sold him for nearly €60m. Who did good business there, the others or Rocco?”

Pressed on whether he takes any delight in seeing offloaded stars struggle, Commisso added: “No, not at all. They made decisions, and we earned as much money as we could. I wanted Vlahovic to stay, but reaching an agreement with his agent was impossible. Chiesa had already been sold to Juventus when I arrived [in 2019], but I kept him. He wanted to leave, and I promised we’d sell him the following season, but under our conditions.”

Chiesa is still waiting on his debut for Liverpool, as he is eased into the squad that Arne Slot inherited from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. He is a proven performer at the very highest level and will be hoping to rediscover his best form, while steering clear of any fitness setbacks, during his time on Merseyside.