Alberto Aquilani's move to Fiorentina almost fell through due to his 'impractical salary', according

Alberto Aquilani's move to Fiorentina almost fell through due to his 'impractical salary', according to the club's sporting director Daniele Prade.

Alberto Aquilani departed Anfield for Fiorentina

Aquilani, 28, joined the Viola from Liverpool in the summer after it became apparent the midfielder would not feature in Brendan Rodgers' plans this season.

The Italian struggled to make an impact at Anfield, making only 18 appearances in three years with the club, following his £16 million move to Merseyside.

Aquilani's return to his homeland will save his former club an estimated £6 million-a-season, but it's a figure Fiorentina struggled to match.

"The most difficult operation? The one with Liverpool for Aquilani, who had a salary impractical for Fiorentina and perhaps also for all Italian clubs," Prade explained.

"We resolved it along with Liverpool, our good relations paid off. It was great taking back Aquilani to Fiorentina. Alberto in Florence will again be a top player.''