Willy Gnonto claims Italy’s lifestyle outshines Leeds life

Willy Gnonto, whose full name is Wilfried Gnonto, has completed a loan return to Fiorentina, leaving Leeds United on transfer‑deadline day after four seasons in West Yorkshire, during which the 22‑year‑old amassed 23 goals and 17 assists in 147 appearances for the Whites and praised the Italian lifestyle.

Loan move back to Serie A

Gnonto departed Elland Road on transfer‑deadline day, joining La Viola on an initial loan that includes an option to make the move permanent for €21 million next summer. The deal returns the 22‑year‑old to Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, after two years in England. Fiorentina confirmed the arrangement on their official website. The loan also gives the club a chance to assess his progress before committing to the sizeable fee.

Why Italy suits Gnonto

While he acknowledges the intensity of English football, Gnonto says Italian training sessions are a bit shorter, involve less tactics and are more intense, focused on actual gameplay, which he feels has sharpened his abilities. He also credits the Italian mindset on diet, food and work ethic, contrasting it with the more relaxed atmosphere he experienced in England. The striker added that football is important but not everything, allowing him to stay calm and enjoy life.

Gnonto praised coach Vanoli for the demanding fitness regime, noting that “Coach Vanoli has us doing a lot of running” and that he feels physically stronger than before. He believes he is “in pretty good shape” and can improve in every aspect with the help of his teammates. He added that his stamina has noticeably increased since arriving back in Italy. The forward stressed his daily commitment to refine both his strengths and weaker areas.

Leeds’ exit and future plans

Leeds manager Daniel Farke admitted he shed a tear when saying farewell to the forward. The club sanctioned Gnonto’s exit after agreeing a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Jean‑Matteo Bahoya, the Bundesliga’s fastest‑ever player, although Bahoya has featured sparingly so far. The club’s UNITED board confirmed the financial terms of the loan and the future purchase option. United’s hierarchy appears to be reshaping the squad ahead of the next season.

Gnonto confessed he missed the weather, the food and speaking Italian every day while living in West Yorkshire. He feels the milder climate in Italy suits his training routine better and helps his recovery. He said the camaraderie at Fiorentina makes him “very happy” and that “things can only get better from here”. The forward reflected on his time at Elland Road, noting that the experience helped him grow as a player and a man.

Back in Serie A, Gnonto is delighted to be part of the Viola again and looks forward to contributing to Fiorentina’s campaign. He believes the balance between Italian and English football will continue to shape his development. He hopes to add to his 40 goal‑and‑assist tally that he amassed for the Whites. LEEDS supporters will remember his impact as he moves on.