Corvino Reveals: Pioli Suggested Rebic to Lecce

During his presentation today, Rebic stated, "Lecce has discovered a highly motivated player in me. I am determined to prove that I am just as capable as I was three years ago. Unfortunately, I have faced challenges in the last two years due to an injury, but I successfully resolved it in April."

"A month ago the director and the coach convinced me. I haven't thought about it too much, I know that at this moment I have to play consistently and show everyone that I'm ready."

Lecce chief Pantaleo Corvino also said: "Usually when I present a player I have to be very detailed. Today instead there is a player with an important career, this conference is easier for me.

"You know Ante Rebic better than me. I can say that he was vice world champion with Croatia, champion of Italy with Milan. I know him very well. In the first phone call I told him that he had to give up a bit of salary because I made him rich by selling him from Fiorentina to Eintracht.

"This season I will play 300 games in Serie A with Lecce and 700 overall, these are records that I feel very strongly about. And above all it would be a record for Lecce to save themselves for three seasons in a row. I asked him to help us achieve this goal. When I called (Stefano) Pioli I told him that I need a first striker and he more than reassured me. Ante chose Lecce because he is driven by personal motivations, he wants to get back in the game game. He knows he'll find the right environment."