Cristian Tello joins Fiorentina on loan from Barcelona

Cristian Tello is at Fiorentina, hoping to convert a loan spell into a permanent transfer.

On Thursday, after his loan agreement with FC Porto was rescinded, Tello, 24, joined Fiorentina on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

"I wanted to come as soon as I found out about the club's interest because I could tell they really wanted me," Tello said. "It's a challenge for me because the Italian league is very difficult."

Upon being asked about what he learned at Barcelona, Tello expressed his desire to stay at Fiorentina beyond June, saying: "They teach you to play good football and help develop you as a person. I want to be playing more regularly now though. I hope to convince Paulo Sousa of my ability and stay here for many years."

Tello also addressed Fiorentina's reported interest in Barcelona's Marc Bartra, saying, according to Mundo Deportivo: "I've heard that Fiore is interested in Marc. He's a friend of mine, we talk often. He congratulated me for coming here, but he hasn't told me anything about coming here as well.

"I think he's a top footballer, that it could go well for him at Fiore. He's somebody who needs to play and feel important on a team. I think he's one step away (from leaving) and should take the step in the best interests of his career. It's difficult to leave Barcelona, but it would be to have minutes and grow."

At Porto, Tello failed to score through 11 Liga Sagres appearances this season, seven of which were as a substitute. He also failed to feature for the club after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.