Fiorentina winger Joaquin confirmed on Monday that he wants to leave Italy and return to boyhood club Real Betis.

Joaquin posted on Instagram "my decision is made, I just want to go home" as he attempts to force through a transfer to Betis, with Fiorentina so far denying him that move, with president Andrea Della Valle having claimed the 34-year-old is "a key part of our project".

After two seasons with Fiorentina, Joaquin claims he is not happy in Florence and does not understand why the Serie A club are blocking a transfer.

"I want to return to Betis, I can no longer play for Fiorentina," the veteran attacker told Firenze Viola.

"Things are very bad at this time. I would have never thought I would be going through a moment like this near the end of my career.

"I don't understand why they [Fiorentina] are doing this. There is a lot of talk about me, but there is little truth in what is being written.

"I was put up for sale last season, when I was training away from the first team. I don't know why they have changed their mind now.

"I don't know why they are doing this to me, the team and my team-mates. Even the Viola fans agree with me.

"When fans stop me, they say 'it's understandable you want to go home'. I can't understand why Fiorentina can't understand this as well.

"I have made my decision. Nobody can decide for me and I have decided to return home, to return to Seville where I am happy.

"They told me I was for sale and I have decided to return to Betis. My heart is in Seville and I can't play with this sentiment.

"I can't help my team-mates with this state of mind."

Joaquin has made 49 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina, with the Spaniard starting 19 matches.

The former Spain international joined Fiorentina from Malaga, having also previously played for Valencia.

Joaquin started his professional career with Betis B in 1999, before earning promotion to the first team for the 2000/01 season and left the club with 218 senior matches to his name.