Udinese signs Emil Hallfredsson after emotional Hellas Verona farewell

Udinese has snapped up midfielder Emil Hallfredsson from Hellas Verona, ending a five-and-a-half-year stay in Veneto for the Icelander.

(Courtesy: @SerieA_TIM)

The fee, believed to be in the region of €1 million, ties the 31-year-old down to the Bianconeri Friuliani until the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Hallfredsson penned an emotional letter thanking the fans and apologising for leaving when Verona sits firmly in the relegation mire, 13 points adrift of safety.

"I consolidated the rapport with my wife, found true and sincere comfort after the death of my father, my son was born here and I intend to raise my second child here, regardless of the decision that brought me to sign for a new club, Udinese, and seek a new professional challenge," Hallfredsson said in the open letter.

"I gave everything for this team, my soul as they say in Italy, and it's a pity to leave now in a moment of difficulty. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the club.

"I wish all the best to everyone, including the new Hellas players, so they can continue to fight and believe in the final objective."

Hallfredsson becomes the second player to move to the Stadio Friuli in the January transfer window, with fellow midfielder and Serbia international Zdravko Kuzmanovic joining on loan from FC Basel until the end of the season.