Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has confirmed he will remain in charge of the Viola next season but admitted “his surprise” at being given an ultimatum by his club to decide.

His comments came hours after Fiorentina issued a statement on their official website demanding a response regarding his future.

Montella announced he will respect his current contract which runs until June 2017.

He said to the Italian media: “I am surprised by the club’s announcement, but I’m the Fiorentina coach and I am available to continue at the helm with enthusiasm.”

Fiorentina feared losing Montella, who has been linked with the vacant Napoli job. He has also been a reported target of Milan following another strong season with the Florence club.

The Fiorentina statement said: “The club is waiting to be made aware of coach Montella’s clear position.

“We believe that as a sign of respect to this jersey and to our fans, it’s indispensable to define the situation and we cannot delay it any further.”

The former Roma manager led Fiorentina to a fourth-place finish in Serie A this season and his team also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League and the Coppa Italia.

Fiorentina will play in next season’s Europa League.

Montella, 40, joined Fiorentina in the summer of 2012 from Catania and led the team to a fourth-place finish that season.

He then guided the team to the Coppa Italia final in the 2013-14 campaign where they lost to Napoli.