Fiorentina Pays €8 Million for Real Madrid Defender

Fiorentina has officially signed defender Victor Valdepenas from Real Madrid. Reports indicate that the Spanish giants will retain a 50% sell-on clause for the player's future transfer.

The agreement between the two clubs was reached several weeks ago, but Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho requested that the defender remain with the squad for part of their pre-season training until the other international players returned from their holidays.

The central defender, who turns 20 in October, was part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship this summer.

Fiorentina paid Real Madrid €8 million for Valdepenas, with "Los Blancos" retaining 50% of any future transfer fee.

"I am very happy to be here. The place is incredible, the training ground is remarkable, and the city is wonderful," Valdepenas told the Viola's official website.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited am I? I'd say 20! I haven't had time to properly explore the city yet, but I've heard wonderful things about it and I can't wait to see it," the young defender continued.

When asked what convinced him to join Fiorentina after his time at Real Madrid, he replied: "Conversations with players who have been here. This is a club with a great history, which I am aware of, even though I am young. The advice and experience of the players I spoke with really convinced me to come. I spoke with Borja Valero, who is certainly a player I knew best from his past here."

Valdepenas confirmed he can play as both a left-back and a central defender, but prefers to operate on the left flank.

"I am an aggressive defender, technically and tactically sound, and also fast. I am really excited to be here. I can't wait to see all the fans at the stadium," the Real Madrid academy product admitted.