As one of the most exciting forwards in European football a few years ago, it is fair to say Luka Jovic is a forgotten star. The Serbian shone first at Red Star Belgrade before moving to Benfica. From Portugal, he arrived in Germany via Eintracht Frankfurt. Alongside Sebastien Haller and Ante Rebic, they formed one of the best attacking tridents in Europe and came close to both UEFA Europa League glory and UEFA Champions League qualification. A deserved move to Real Madrid, though, soon turned into a nightmare.

Now, after numerous spells out of the Madrid team and back on loan at Frankfurt, Jovic has a new home: Fiorentina. La Viola are in need of a marquee forward after selling Dusan Vlahovic, and it is clear that they see Jovic as the ideal option. The Serbian has arrived on loan, and promptly made a name for himself by scoring a poker – four goals – in his pre-season debut. Given he scored just three goals for Madrid in around fifty games, it is clear that Jovic suits purple over white.

Now, the forward has ambition again and wants to try and emulate a great of the game in Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese went to Italy and was prolific for Juve, winning five trophies in just three years. Jovic wants to try and do something similar, and believes that he can emulate the success of the great forward whilst in Florence.

Speaking about his ambitions in a Viola shirt, Jovic said: "I am inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and I hope to be able to do well as he did in Italy”.

He was also asked why he chose the No. 7 shirt. Given he is an out and out forward, most expected a more traditional choice. On that, Jovic added: I chose it because there were no other numbers that I liked. It is the first time I will wear it, I hope it will bring me luck".

Fiorentina a safe landing spot for players on the scrapheap

Few clubs in Europe have a history of rebuilding the careers of young players quite like Fiorentina. The Tuscan club has been a home for players needing a career restart for many years now. And in Jovic, they have a player who desperately needs to feel loved and feel desired by a team and a support once again.

With Fiorentina fans heartbroken at the sale of Vlahovic, too, a new star striker is desperately needed. As Vincenzo Italiano looks to build a team that can attack with verve, he needs someone who can be trusted to put away chances. In Jovic, they have a player who can easily finish and can put away chances with natural ease.

While it might take him some time to find confidence again, if Italiano can integrate him in the same way he did with Vlahovic then Jovic could be making up for lost time at just the right point – and place – in his career.