New Fiorentina man Atta on trivela praise and ‘incredible’ Modric | OneFootball

Arthur Atta has offered an endearing glimpse into his upbringing and influences, days after completing his move to Fiorentina from Udinese.

Speaking to Romanzo Calcistico, via FirenzeViola, the midfielder revealed that his composure on the ball was forged at home, under the watchful eye of a father who turned the family living room into a training ground.

“I used to play football in the house too. My dad always told me to be careful not to break anything, but really he did it on purpose to get me used to playing under pressure,” Atta said.

“I’d play passes against the wall trying not to hit the other objects.” His path to midfield, meanwhile, came by process of elimination: handed the gloves at a major regional tournament, he lasted a single day in goal before being moved outfield, where he “felt much better.”

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Arthur Atta of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on April 06, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Atta on his trivela and facing ‘incredible’ Modric

Now known for the outside-of-the-boot ‘trivela’ pass, Atta was quick to credit the masters of the art. “Quaresma executed it in an incredible way, and Payet was very good too. I’m not at their level, but I try to perfect it every day,” he said.

The most vivid memory of his debut Serie A season, though, was a personal encounter with a living legend. “Meeting Modric was something special,” he recalled of Udinese’s early-season meeting with Milan.

“We knew how strong he was, even if some thought he was no longer the player he used to be. At the end of the game we all said the same thing: he’s incredible even at 40.”

The reflections paint a picture of the humble, technically obsessive profile Fiorentina believe they have secured, a young midfielder with a distinctive style and, evidently, no shortage of reverence for the game’s craftsmen.