Fiorentina have blasted AC Milan over their swoop for Nikola Kalinic.

The Viola have released a statement criticising Milan director Massimiliano Mirabelli for “denigrating" them during Kalinic's presentation.

In a video, Mirabelli said to Kalinic: “Now enough jokes, put the ball where you know, otherwise we'll send you back there."

This offended the Viola, who released a statement on their club website.

“The terms used by the Rossoneri director, who talked about the possibility of letting the Croatian forward return to Fiorentina, used 'there' in a denigrating way and that seemed totally out of place, not to mention decidedly avoidable.

“We wish to remind DS Mirabelli that Fiorentina are an important club in which champions who made football history have played and this club represents Florence, one of the most beautiful and famous cities in the world.

“This club therefore deserves and expects, with reference both to today and the future, rigorous respect."

Mirabelli replied via his own statement on the official Milan website.

“I have always had great respect and admiration for Fiorentina, its owners, managers and fans. If someone perceived in my words a lack of respect, then I apologise.

“I think it was evident, from my tone, expression and body language, that it was meant to be a colloquial joke, certainly not intended to denigrate."