Italy CT Roberto Mancini claims Fiorentina bound Aleksandr Kokorin ‘had the quality to play for Real Madrid.’
Mancini coached the Russian striker at Zenit in the 2017-18 campaign, when Kokorin scored 19 goals in 35 games.
“I can only speak highly of him, both as a footballer and as a person,” Mancini told La Nazione.
“Kokorin is a champion, he had the quality to play for any club, including Real Madrid,” he added.
“He has great technical skills, with power and aerial ability. Unfortunately he picked up a knee injury in March 2018, but the player’s value is indisputable.
“He will need some time to settle in, but Fiorentina’s decision to sign him is really good.”
Kokorin confirmed he’s on the verge of joining La Viola and according to reports in Italy he will undergo his medical tests with the Tuscans on Monday.