New Fiorentina striker Alessio Cerci has claimed he rejected an offer from big spending Manchester City to join the club.

Cerci has joined the Viola on a deal worth €3 million from Roma.

The 23-year-old told Viola Channel: "I refused to join Manchester City."

"[Sporting director Pantaleo] Corvino and [coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic convinced me to come to Fiorentina.

"They made me feel important and I have taken this opportunity. Florence for me is the right choice.

"It is difficult leaving the people and a club that has helped me grow, but for me, a new adventure begins."

The Florence-based club begin their Serie A campaign on Sunday at home to Napoli.

Earlier in the week, Fiorentina became the first Serie A club to hand over shirt sponsorship to a charity by agreeing to have Save the Children's logo on the team's jersey.