Fiorentina newcomer Viery has revealed that his father named him after former Italy striker Christian Vieri, explaining that his move to Serie A feels like the fulfilment of a long-held family connection to Italian football.
The 21-year-old Brazilian defender, who joined from Gremio for €15 million plus €2 million in add-ons, disclosed the origin of his name during his presentation press conference at the Viola Park complex. “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, who hung up his boots in 2009 when Viery was just four years old, enjoyed spells at several major European clubs including Juventus, Inter, Milan, Lazio, Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina. Viery has now followed that path to Tuscany after progressing through the Gremio academy, and has already begun pre-season training under coach Fabio Grosso.
Shirt number and playing style
The centre-back will wear the Number 33 jersey this season, though he admitted it was not his preferred choice. “I would’ve preferred the Number 44 that was already taken,” he said.
Viery began his career as a full-back before transitioning to central defence, and remains flexible about his position. “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 stated.
Adapting to life in Italy
The defender cited Fiorentina’s sporting project and the beauty of Florence as decisive factors in his transfer. He has also found support from within the squad to help him settle, notably from fellow Brazilian Dodo and defender Radu Dragusin, whose Portuguese language skills have eased the transition.
“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,” Viery said.
Inspiration and expectations
Viery pointed to World Cup winner Sergio Ramos as a major influence on his game, alongside former Fiorentina midfielder Dunga. The 1994 World Cup-winning captain remains in contact with the young defender and has set high standards for his time in Italy.
“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,” Viery added.