Viery: ‘My father was a huge Vieri fan’ so Fiorentina in his destiny | OneFootball

New Fiorentina signing Viery reveals why his destiny was always going to be Serie A football. ‘My father was a huge Christian Vieri fan and named me after the Italy striker.’

The 21-year-old held his presentation press conference at the Viola Park complex today, as he participated in pre-season training with coach Fabio Grosso and his teammates.

The defender made the move from Gremio for a fee of €15m plus a further €2m in add-ons, having come up through the Brazilian side’s academy.

Viery destined for Serie A

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MARCH 22: David of Vasco da Gama competes for the ball with Viery of Gremio during the match between Vasco da Gama and Gremio as part of Brasileirao 2026 at Sao Januario Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

“You pronounce my name without an accent, so like Vieri,” he explained.

“It’s like the Italy striker, because my father was a huge Christian Vieri fan and named me after him. That shows you how much Italian football is admired in Brazil, it’s a top league.”

Christian Vieri retired in 2009, when Viery was four years old, and played for amongst others clubs like Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Inter, Milan and Fiorentina.

“I chose Fiorentina because I loved the project immediately, and the city is so beautiful. I also have a Brazilian teammate in Dodo who is helping me to settle in.”

There was also a helpful hand from his fellow defender Radu Dragusin, because the former Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus man speaks Portuguese.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MARCH 22: David of Vasco da Gama competes for the ball with Viery of Gremio during the match between Vasco da Gama and Gremio as part of Brasileirao 2026 at Sao Januario Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

“I started out as a full-back, but then started playing in central defence. I am more defensive-minded as a full-back, but the most important thing is to play, it doesn’t matter where,” he added.

The new signing will wear the Number 33 jersey, although confessed he would’ve preferred the Number 44 that was already taken.

“I am inspired by players like Sergio Ramos and those I grew up watching at Gremio. In the history of Fiorentina, Dunga was a legend for Brazil and this club. I know him and we’re in contact, he said that he expects a lot from me, so I hope to repay his faith.”