Beto explains Everton exit as Fiorentina striker reflects on special fan connection

Beto has explained why he decided to leave Everton for Fiorentina despite developing what he describes as a “wonderful relationship” with the club’s supporters.

The 28-year-old ended his three-year spell on Merseyside by joining Fiorentina towards the end of the summer transfer window. Speaking at his presentation in Florence, Beto said the time had come for a new challenge while expressing his gratitude towards Everton.

“The Everton fans and I have a wonderful relationship,” Beto said, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb. “They appreciated my work ethic, even when it came to the ‘dirty work’.”

Beto’s performances often divided opinion during his time at Everton.

The striker finished his spell with 25 goals from 113 appearances, many of which came from the bench. His goalscoring numbers may not have convinced everyone, but his physical commitment and willingness to work without the ball helped establish a connection with sections of the fanbase.

“I’d fight and run all over the pitch, and they recognised that,” he explained. “They were overjoyed whenever I scored.”

Despite that relationship, Beto felt this summer represented the right moment to leave.

“I left Everton because I felt it was the right time to move on, but I can only thank them with great affection,” he added.

Beto now returns to Serie A having previously played for Udinese before his move to Everton.

The striker believes his three seasons in England have made him a different player and intends to bring the physical qualities developed in the Premier League into Fiorentina’s attack.

“I want to bring intensity and aggression, helping the team by attacking the space in behind,” he said.

“That’s my style of football – physical and aggressive – and I also want to bring experience. I’m not the same player I was during my time at Udinese.”

For Beto, the Fiorentina move therefore represents more than simply a return to Italy. He arrives with Premier League experience and a belief that his game has developed considerably since his previous Serie A spell.

Beto must now translate those lessons into performances for Fiorentina as he begins the next stage of his career in Serie A.

His physical and aggressive style should remain central to his game, but the striker will be hoping his return to Italy also brings the regular opportunities and goals required to make his Fiorentina move a success.