Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic dismisses move to China

The 29-year-old Croatia forward, who joined the Viola from Ukrainian side Dnipro two years ago, has rejected a reported 48million euro deal to move to the Super League newcomers stating "Everyone is nice to me here. I'm fine".

The former Blackburn player was reported to have been offered a salary of 12million euros a year to make the switch to Tianjin on a four-year deal.

Kalinic told sportske.jutarnji.hr, which was reported on his club's official website: "I'm staying at Fiorentina! This is my decision. Only mine. I want to play in Italy, where for two years. I'm fine, I feel really good here.

"Thanks (to my) coach and team-mates, I want to continue with them.

"There was a lot of pressure these (last few) days over my decision, (whether) to go to China. Not from the club, but journalists and the public in general, who have created such an atmosphere. As if they would get rid of me. But I never told anyone that I was happy to leave."

He added: "It is clear that there was a little thought, when I saw the offer, but at no time I chose (to move to) China.

"I have never spoken directly with the Chinese, I do not know what they offered to Fiorentina. I received a proposal from Tianjin only for myself, and I decided to stay here.

"This is my final decision. I stay in Florence, everyone is nice to me here. I'm fine."