Fiorentina legend Giancarlo Antognoni has blasted management after his departure last week.

Antognoni has been at odds with club powerbrokers for some time.

"The owners want me out of the first team, that is the issue," Antognoni told ANSA.

“I am leaving Fiorentina, but not Florence. The Viola jersey and its splendid fans will always remain in my gratitude and unconditional love.

“I met the director general to evaluate if there was a chance of continuing together, but I had to recognise that the position of the club has not changed one bit with regards to downgrading my professional status.

“That is despite my suggestion that I could, along with being technical director of the youth academy, also maintain the role I have overseen with the first team over the years with great pride.

“The two seasons we had together were unsatisfying for everyone, including myself. Undoubtedly, we had to evaluate a different way of proceeding.

“Unfortunately, there was no margin for debate, it was take it or leave it. Even before we had the meeting, I had been invited to vacate my office, which was pretty eloquent by itself…"