Chilean midfielder David Pizarro was a very important piece for former Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella who always considered him to be a regular fixture in the midfield zone for the Florence side. His passing ability, superb tackling and overall consistency was the perfect complement for creative players like Josip Ilicic, Matias Fernandez and Mohamed Salah this past season.
Things might change quickly for the Chilean international, however, as it has been reported he wouldn't be in Paulo Sousa's plans for the upcoming season. Sousa arrived to the team a few days ago after a successful campaign with FC Basel and will take charge of the team after Montella was fired by the board of directors.
Pizarro's contract ended this season and the renewal talks were quite advanced but everything was stopped after Sousa's arrival and as it has been reported by various sources, Pizarro would have a secondary role within the squad and could be relegated to play cup games or non-important matches.
Pizarro set to return home?
Considering David Pizarro is currently on international duty with the Chilean squad in the 2015 Copa America, things are likely to stall until next month.
However, even if the midfielder doesn't sign a contract extension he could easily return to the Chilean league where Santiago Wanderers - the team where he took his first steps as a professional - is keen to sign him to a short-term deal as the team will play in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana this year. Pizarro has been rumored to be considering a return to his home country over the last few seasons and Sousa's arrival might be the perfect chance to leave the team and return to South America.
David Pizarro has been with Fiorentina since the 2012-13 season but he has had a long trajectory at the Serie A level. The 35-year-old has had stints with Udinese, Inter Milan and AS Roma and he also played for Manchester City before landing with the Florence side.