Kean: ‘Fiorentina always helped me, now it’s my turn’

Moise Kean came off the bench after a tough week to score the Fiorentina winner against Cremonese. ‘The club always helped me, now it’s my turn.’

The Viola had been frustrated at the Stadio Franchi with a series of opportunities, including a controversial penalty that was first awarded, then revoked following a nit-picking VAR review.

It seemed to be lurching towards another 0-0 draw when Manor Solomon’s cross to the back post was nodded down by Niccolò Fortini, Emil Audero parried it into the path of Kean.

Fiorentina had been expected to continue their press silence, but suspended it following the victory.

“A goal can arrive like this at the last minute, which means we must be positive and believe we can secure safety,” Kean told DAZN Italia.

“It was important to come on with the right mentality, we did it, and now we move forward.”

This was only the second Viola victory all season, but it is the second in three rounds after their demolition of 10-man Udinese.

“Nobody likes being rock bottom, especially not a club like Fiorentina. We must keep working and try to do more.”

Kean was not in the starting XI because he missed several training sessions this week due to a personal matter, but came on and made an immediate impact.

“I was concentrated on what I had to do. It was important to free my mind and give something more on the pitch. The club has always helped me, so now it is my turn to repay them for that.”

The striker rushed to hug coach Paolo Vanoli on the touchline after his goal.

“He gives us the fire that we need, he’s a fine coach and we can do great things together,” added Kean.

“I want to tell the fans that we certainly cannot get out of this situation alone. If we all stick together, then we can do it, and I’m sure a city like Florence can give us so much.”