Wilfried Gnonto has revealed how Italy manager Roberto Mancini's advice inspired him to join Leeds United last summer. The teenager joined the Whites from FC Zurich on transfer deadline day for just under £4 million.
His performances of late have received a number of plaudits, and he consolidated his auspicious start to life at Elland Road with a stunning brace in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Cardiff City.
Gnonto's first goal in particular earned comparisons to Paolo Di Canio's iconic volley against Wimbledon in 2000. Jesse Marsch initially refrained from throwing him into the action but Gnonto is fast becoming a crucial player for the Whites during his debut season in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who is the youngest ever goal scorer for the Italian national team, says Mancini's advice about young players needing to play at a high level was a key factor behind his decision to join Leeds.
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“We’ve never spoken about it, but his [Mancini] words on young players who need to play at a high level inspired my decision,” Gnonto told Gazetta [via Football Italia].
“I don’t think a young player must go abroad to develop. The most important thing is to play, and if there isn’t this possibility in Italy, it’s worth trying elsewhere.”
Gnonto added: “Since the very first moment I spoke to director Victor Orta, I’ve felt trust. I thought that the club’s ambition matches mine and that this is the best club to grow. We play attacking football, and my qualities fit the team well.
“Luckily, Jesse Marsch and my previous coach have similar ideas, so it wasn’t too difficult to adapt. Intensity is different, it’s incredible and it was a little more difficult to adapt to it.”
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