Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic has extended his contract with Fiorentina for another five years the club has announced.
His contract was due to expire in June 2023.
The 24-year-old was a target for Juventus and Inter Milan. Their sporting directors held talks with the defender.
He was promised last year that he could leave this summer if the right offer came along, and a price-tag set at roughly €20 million. Milenkovic has chosen to stay put in Florence until 2027.
Milenkovic is off the back of an impressive campaign with The Viola finished in seventh position, earning a place in the Europa Conference League qualifiers. A first chance for the Serbian international to play European football.
Speaking at a press conference announcing the contract extension, Milenkovic said: “I love this club and this city. I am excited and happy to stay at Fiorentina. The club has shown that it has great ambition.
The goal is to improve what we did last year in Serie A, and win the Europa Conference League. It would be great.
I thank the fans, they give us a big push. Playing at the Franchi will be tough for everyone.”
“Nikola has the Fiorentina DNA,” said director Joe Barone.
Milenkovic has made his name as one of the better defenders in Serie A, but has not yet made the big move everyone expects him to make. He is indomitable in the air thanks to his 6ft4 frame and is a tough customer on the ground.
Milenkovic is also assured in possession and can play right-back if his team needs. Since joining the club from Partizan in 2017, Milenkovic has made 177 appearances for Fiorentina. He has also racked up 37 national team appearances.
Tying him down is a big win for Vincenzo Italiano’s side as they look to secure another European finish and hopefully make in mark in Europe like AS Roma did.
