Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero is proud of his form this season.

Such has been his impact that Valero has been linked with return to Real Madrid.

"I am happy that the fans appreciate me. It's magnificent to hear them chanting my name, especially as I am not a striker," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It is more difficult to make your mark and stand out without scoring goals. Perhaps this is my best season and I hope to remain on this level. Am I the symbol of the Viola? No, the symbol is the team and Vincenzo Montella's football, as following those it's easy to look stronger.

"Montella is a winner. Even when we are leading a game, you can see if he doesn't like something as he gets very angry.

"President Andrea Della Valle is with us all the time and seeing him so hungry for success is important. In Spain the Presidents are calm and detached, so it's a new experience for me."