The Archive

September 2014

Albertazzi: 'Torres fired up'
9.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Michelangelo Albertazzi said his new Milan teammate Fernando Torres “is already fired up” for his debut.

The centre-forward arrived from Chelsea just in time to watch a 3-1 victory over Lazio from the stands, but will get to play against Parma at the weekend.

“We are working hard ahead of the game with Parma, following Coach Inzaghi and his staff’s indications,” Albertazzi told Milan Channel.

“Parma are a very good side who will be even more eager to prove a point after starting the season with a defeat against Cesena, so we must match them in terms of determination.

“We are concentrated and determined thanks to the Coach. I see Torres is already fired up. You can tell he moves with grit and hunger on the training pitch.

“I already know Jack Bonaventura, as we played together at international level. I think Parma will try to defend and hit us on the counter-attack.”

Inzaghi: No long-term goals
9.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Pippo Inzaghi reiterates that Milan’s mentality will be to take things game by game, and to not set any long-term objectives.

The Rossoneri have begun the League season under their new tactician with a 3-1 win over Lazio, breeding confidence in the club following last term’s disappointment.

However, for the Coach, it is too early to be looking at what might come from the season ahead.

“I think our objective should be thinking from day to day, with no long-term goals,” Inzaghi has explained in an interview with UEFA.

“We have started well, but we have not done anything. We have only won one game, we have to grow game by game.

“Certainly it is not great to have a season with Milan without the Champions League - I hope that we can return as soon as possible.”

The 41-year-old considered what his first objective was in taking on the Milan post.

“First of all to create a strong group, with the DNA of Milan that was perhaps a little lost. And I am happy to say that after two months of work, we have been able to instil these basics.

“This is a team that finished eighth last season, a team that needed to recover its confidence. The most important thing at the beginning was to work hard and to be professional in attitude. I would say that we have begun in this way.

“Have I settled into the role well? Yes, luckily I was Coach in the youth sector at Milan for a couple of years, so the fact that I have coached the youngsters has allowed me to begin from an important base in working with the senior team.”

Inzaghi’s interview came about through his attendance at last week’s UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum in Nyon.

Having rubbed shoulders with some notable names, the retired striker mused on who may have an influence in his coaching career.

“I am happy to have met Sir Alex Ferguson, who wrote many great pages in the history of football, but the person who is a real model for me is Carlo Ancelotti.

“He is a great person, a great example, he was my Coach for many years and has had the fortune and skill to win the Champions League several times as both a player and as a Coach.

“It was very important to meet Coaches here like Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. They have a lot of experience.

“I hope to emulate them and follow their example, this is my hope as a young Coach.”

Benfica best choice, says Cristante
9.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Bryan Cristante has revealed why he chose to leave Italian giants Milan for Benfica this summer.

The Italian youth international was surprisingly sold by the Rossoneri after a reported fee of €6m was agreed between the two clubs.

“They wanted to sign me and I thought it was a good solution,” the 19-year-old told the Vivo Azzurro website.

“They have tradition, they take part in the Champions League and they are always amongst the top three teams in Portugal.”

Cristante only made a handful of appearances for the Milan first team, but he has fond memories of his time at Milanello.

“My very first game in the Milan first team in the Champions League against Viktoria Plzen was a great experience for me. It was the beginning of it all,” he added.

“I barely even realised that I was making my Champions League debut – I was only 16…

“The fact that it happened with a team like Milan helped me a lot. I have collected more experience since that day and now here I am.

“The Champions League debut was kind of like a ‘prize’,” he continued. “We had already qualified for the next stage and our Coach granted me that ‘gift’.

“At the time of my Serie A debut, I was already part of the first team and I was used to training with them, so it was somehow more important. I was more conscious.”

Galliani: Pippo knows football
9.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani has reiterated his faith in new Coach Pippo Inzaghi, ahead of facing Parma and Roberto Donadoni.

The Rossoneri have begun the season with a win over Lazio and, once the international break ends, will face off against the Ducali in Week 2 and most notably their Coach, who was linked with the San Siro hotseat before Inzaghi was hired.

“I did not see Donadoni,” Galliani has reiterated at the Milan Charity Golf Tour today.

“He is a past pride of Milan, is a great Coach who did very well with La Nazionale and Parma, but our first choice was always Pippo.”

Galliani turned his attention to the team working under the retired striker.

"We do not place any pressure on Pippo. He will select the best XI to face Parma.

“We currently have eight players involved with their national teams. The last to return will be Honda and our Coach will have to assess what state the players will be in when they return to Milanello and then decide, as always, for the best.

“A preferred formation? I am not talking about formations. Pippo is playing with a 4-3-3 that is not a dogma, and you saw this against Lazio when he shifted formation during the game.

“Pippo was a great player, he knows football and its players and his players and will evaluate what to do.

“He will be able to take advantage of the resources that the club has made available to him.

“It is true that Pippo has spoken to me very highly of Bonaventura and tells me that he is very versatile and can do well.”

Milan were linked with making a move for this coming weekend’s opposition Coach, Roberto Donadoni.

Whilst not wanting to put the pressure on his Coach, Galliani did admit to the hope of another win in Week 2.

“Winning at Parma would see us go into the Juventus match with six points and climb the table, and it would be a good omen.

“Milan, in recent years, has taken a while to pick up the points.”

Lodi sees different AC Milan mindset
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Recent acquisition for Parma Francesco Lodi believes Milan are more dangerous now that they have changed their mentality.

Parma play host to the Rossoneri in Week 2 of Serie A a week on Sunday and their late summer arrival from Catania is fully aware of the dangers they pose.

“We have an important game against Milan, who have reinforced their squad a lot and have a motivated new Coach,” Lodi has told reporters today.

“They're going to be tough because their outlook is now that of a provincial team, they no longer have prima donnas.”

Lodi also had a few things to get off his chest about his own past.

“In Catania I had a great relationship with my teammates and the tifosi, but less so with management, who did not treat me very well.

Naming specifically Vice-President Cosentino, he continued: “He would call me and tell me he wanted me to stay.

“But behind my back he did the opposite, because he kept working to get a player who then arrived, and he did everything he could to get rid of me.

“I kept my mouth shut and I came here, and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

“I still wish the best to my former teammates and to the city of Catania, I hope they get back into Serie A.”

De Jong: Ajax? Maybe later
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Nigel de Jong has reiterated his focus is on continuing his career with Milan, rather than considering a move to Ajax.

Interviewed by Heroes Online, he answered the question on whether he would ever return to the Amsterdam club with the idiom: “Never say never.”

“Playing in the Netherlands again would be beautiful, but at an advanced age there would be tremendous expectations.

“I'll have to think about it and see how I feel.”

But De Jong was adamant his immediate future was in Milan: “I'm 29-years-old, I'm at my prime. I've never felt better in my life.

“It's still a bit early for homecomings. I want to continue to play overseas as much as possible.”

Berlusconi: AC Milan on track
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has made clear his optimism at the club’s start to the season, declaring: “The atmosphere has changed.”

Meeting his team this afternoon in what director Adriano Galliani claims will be a ‘regular Friday visit’, he had only good things to say.

“The atmosphere has changed,” Berlusconi declared under the cameras of Milan Channel.

Joining his team over lunch, he stated: “Your beautiful victory on the first day of Serie A was sufficient to return us our hunger, and to awaken the Milan supporters from the negative torpor that they'd fallen into last year.

“I've been receiving more than a hundred messages expressing satisfaction at the team and the mercato.

“I think it's reasonable to say that we're on the right track, and that all we have to do is persevere upon it.”

Galliani: Silvio brings ideas
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Adriano Galliani has detailed Silvio Berlusconi’s latest visit to speak with the Milan squad, and has great hope for Fernando Torres.

The Rossoneri’s President flew in for a two-hour visit at Milanello this afternoon - the third time this season he has done so after previously staying away for a number of months.

“The presence of the President is critical, he spoke to the team and complimented them for [Sunday’s win over Lazio],” Berlusconi’s Vice-President Galliani has told Milan Channel since.

“He had a word for each player and then spent some time with the coaching staff, they have discussed a thousand things and he has provided ideas and suggestions.

“He is happy with the market and very much likes Torres.

“Is the President good luck? No, that would be reductive, the President brings ideas. The Berlusconi-Inzaghi-Galliani trident is working well.”

Galliani commented further on Torres in particular.

“In the field we have not yet seen him, but away from it he is an extraordinary person.

“If his performance on the pitch should be similar to his human capacities then it would be amazing, we are very happy.

“Also, Jack Bonaventura is a great person and I repeat that in the days Torres, Bonaventura and Van Ginkel arrived, Milan has been strengthened.

“On season objectives though, I don’t want to talk right now…”

Inzaghi: Torres can change AC Milan
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Filippo Inzaghi has reflected on what he wants to see from his Milan team, as he expresses admiration and hope for Fernando Torres.

Joining on loan from Chelsea, Torres has taken the No 9 shirt recently worn by the Rossoneri’s new Coach, and has received his backing.

“Torres had a difficult year, but he has great desire to do well,” Inzaghi has told the Gazzetta dello Sport, from the Elite Club Coaches Forum in Nyon this week.

“I like to see a player who stops to sign autographs for two-and-a-half hours, it's a sign of respect towards the fans.

“The indications are positive whilst I hope that with him Milan will change greatly.

“I have seven strikers and I'm spoilt for choices, my task is to get the most out of them and to understand how to interchange between them.

“It has been a good market and I thank the club and the President. The goal is to win back the fans, whilst I am happy with the purchases made.”

Inzaghi considered where Milan could be aiming for this season.

“I can't care about what is being said - 10 days ago we were a team that was fighting for 10th place. I don't set any limits, even though I'm not a magician in terms of predictions.

“My relationship with the players? I'm always the same. I demand rigour and discipline.

“And I asked for a lot of heart and respect for this jersey, which I've always loved.”

Among those in Nyon this week with Inzaghi was his former Coach at San Siro, Carlo Ancelotti.

“The legendary Carletto is an example. I was moved when he was awarded for the three CL.

“And to think that he had coached me for more than 10 years...”

Italy: SES optimism, Chiellini caution
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci is optimistic for Stephan El Shaarawy’s return to fitness, but casts doubt on Giorgio Chiellini.

The duo skipped the Azzurri’s debut under Antonio Conte against the Netherlands last night, as a precautionary measure for respective issues picked up in training.

For the team’s chief medic, it is still mixed news on whether both can return in time for next week’s match in Oslo against Norway - the start of Euro 2016 qualifying.

“El Shaarawy has had a minor ankle sprain, nothing serious - in recent days he had an worsening of pain so as a precaution we rested him,” Castellacci has explained to reporters today.

“Yesterday evening after the game he has moved quite well, today he will work differently and if he responds well, he could be included back with the group.”

On Chiellini, Castellacci is more cautious.

“He has a minor swelling of the calf, he has had two days off and is a bit better. In the afternoon there will be an MRI - the damage is very minor, but it is in a delicate place.

“After the tests today with the Coach and the player we will decide on what to do.

“Three days ago I told you that there was minimal damage and it was not a major concern - given the delicate position and previous instances, we must be careful and consider thoroughly what to do.

“Each athlete must be evaluated for their past.”

Castellacci also updated on Daniele De Rossi, Ciro Immobile and Claudio Marchisio, before commenting on the general fitness of the group in their first few days under Antonio Conte.

“Sometimes there is muscle overload, the only concern is for De Rossi, who suffered a knock and has a bruise on the side of the left knee.

“During the game it was felt less, but when cooler he has felt it more. It is not a situation that worries us at the moment.

“Today is a day of light recovery training, and he will take part without any problems.

“Immobile has problems that are so small, that for a player they are a part of everyday life.

“Marchisio has returned home because he is suspended - even though he had a fever, it would not have prevented him playing.

“The condition of the squad in general is good, except in the case of those who are injured. There have been three days of training, six workouts.

“Conte works very hard both at a physical and tactical level, but there has been great balance between the two. Currently everything is going well.”

Montolivo impressed by Inzaghi
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo says he is impressed by Pippo Inzaghi’s first few months in charge at the club.

The Rossoneri have been working under their new technician since midsummer and have begun the season with a win over Lazio.

For their absent captain, currently recovering from a leg break, early impressions of the former teammate have been good.

“I think that a good start is half the battle and I see the guys at the total disposal of Pippo,” Montolivo has told Milan Channel at a charity event today.

“I was surprised by Inzaghi’s energy, and I believe it is evident during his celebration. Moreover he has clear ideas, which is a difficult thing for a young Coach.

“The first point of his project has been the respect of the rules, of people and of the pitch, and we all care about these details.”

The 29-year-old midfielder also commented on two of the club’s new signings, Fernando Torres and Riccardo Bonaventura.

“They are good, really good. I’ve seen them working in the first days, they are in the group but we need to give them time to adapt. The club has done a great job in the transfer window.”

Montolivo was a key element of Cesare Prandelli’s Italy, but missed the World Cup because of the broken leg.

“It has been tough watching the World Cup from the outside.

“My return to the National team? It comes after my recovery with Milan, even though Antonio Conte came to speak with me, to better understand my condition.”

Mario Balotelli left Milan this summer for Liverpool and remains under scrutiny in the peninsula for the kind of role he may be able to play with the Azzurri.

“Balotelli only has to understand that he is no longer 19. His talent is undeniable but he needs to improve how he handles other things.”

The midfielder is speculated as recovering from his leg break sooner than expected.

“My return? It's difficult to say, I think the right thing is to wait. At the end of the month I have an examination and then I'll be able to know something about it.”

Bonaventura will shine, says Ganz
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Ex-Milan striker Maurizio Ganz has hailed his former club’s transfer deadline day swoop for Giacomo Bonaventura.

The Italian international was signed from Atalanta for a reported fee of €5m after their move for Parma’s Jonathan Biabiany collapsed.

“Bonaventura is a great capture for the Rossoneri, without a shadow of a doubt,” the Varese Primavera boss told Milan News.

“The guy has talent and he was also snatched away from Inter – these market things always please the fans.

“Giacomo is young, has always done well in Bergamo and I have amazing references about him. I'm sure he will do very well.

“He deserved a great team and has come to Milan at the appropriate time in his career. He will show all of his qualities.”

Montolivo nears AC Milan return
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Riccardo Montolivo could return to action for Milan sooner than expected, reports the Gazzetta dello Sport.

The midfielder has been sidelined since late May after breaking his leg in Italy’s World Cup warm-up friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

The 29-year-old was initially expected to be unavailable until December, but his recovery is going better than hoped.

Montolivo will face a crucial fitness test at the end of this month which means he could potentially be back to full training in October, with the intention of playing again a month later.

The former Atalanta man joined the Diavolo on a free transfer in the summer of 2012 after his contract at Fiorentina expired.

He was handed the captain’s armband at San Siro on the eve of the 2013-14 campaign.

Niang: 'I want to repay AC Milan'
6.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

M’Baye Niang insists he is entirely at the disposal of Milan Coach Pippo Inzaghi. “I want to repay the club’s faith.”

The striker spent the last six months on loan at Montpellier and there were consistent reports the 19-year-old would be sent out again, but Inzaghi insisted on keeping him.

“The spell on loan was good for me, as I played a few games and am now back here to do well,” Niang told Milan Channel.

“The club made it clear they are counting on me and that makes me happy. I just need to always give 100 per cent to repay that faith.

“On the US tour I tried to do my best to convince the new Coach that I could stay here. Now I have to improve in order to play consistently.

“I am at the disposal of the Coach, so wherever he wants me to play, I will play. I hope to find consistency at Milan as well as score a few goals.

“We reinforced over the summer and signed great players. I think if we have the right mentality, then we can achieve some great things.

“We know that our strength has to be in the group. We must stay united and run more than the others. I am not surprised by our performance against Lazio, as we’ve improved a lot recently and are much more determined.”

El Shaarawy has ankle sprain
4.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Stephan El Shaarawy is a major doubt to feature for Italy against Holland after spraining his ankle.

The Milan star pulled up during training today at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, which was hit by heavy rainfall.

“El Shaarawy sprained his ankle slightly. We are being very careful with him,” said Antonio Conte during a Press conference.

It’s unlikely he will be risked for tomorrow’s friendly match against Holland.

It remains to be seen whether El Shaarawy will recover in time for the Euro 2016 qualifier in Norway.

Bonaventura: AC Milan a dream come true
4.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Giacomo Bonaventura has insisted that it is ‘a dream come true’ to sign for Milan ahead of his first training session.

The playmaker left Atalanta for the Rossoneri on deadline day, signing a five-year deal with the San Siro outfit.

And the youngster has admitted that he can’t wait to play for the club, and believes he can adapt to any midfield role.

“I'm an attacking midfielder. I can also play in a midfield consisting of three players or as a winger,” he told Milan Channel.

“I had been waiting for a long time for the opportunity to play for such a big club like Milan. I was really happy when I signed the contract with Milan. It's a dream come true.

“I spoke with Inzaghi immediately after I had signed the contract, and he wished me good luck.

“I promise the Milan fans that I will always give my best just like I have always done. Forza Milan!”

Bonaventura then commented on whether the move to the Rossoneri can see him progress to the national team.

“Playing for Milan will make me more visible, but I always try to play as best as I can for my team. Whether or not I will get into the national team depends on my performances for Milan.”

'Bonaventura deal most unusual'
4.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Adriano Galliani has commented on the purchases of Giacomo Bonaventura and Marco van Ginkel.

The Rossoneri completed the signing of the Atalanta playmaker late on deadline day, in a deal that the board member has described as ‘one of the more unusual’.

Whilst the San Siro outfit also brought in the Dutch youngster from Chelsea in a season-long loan.

“The purchase of Bonaventura was one of the most unusual deals I have done in 29 years,” he told reporters.

“At 20.00 we thought that we were going to exchange Biabiany and Zaccardo, but when that was off, we had this idea.

“The player was heading to Milan, but to another club. The player and his agent told me to meet them in the city, and that’s how we got the deal done.

“Van Ginkel resisted initially. It’s not that he didn’t want to join us – he just thought that he could get into the Chelsea team.

“But Mourinho is a great Coach, and told the lad that after an eight-month lay-off through injury, coming here would be good for him.

“I then asked De Jong to speak to him, and Fernando Torres as well. Eventually he said yes.”

De Jong wants new AC Milan deal
4.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Reports in the Italian Press this evening suggest that Nigel de Jong will renew his Milan contract soon.

The Rossoneri midfielder was thought to be of interest to Manchester United during the transfer window.

But Milan News has claimed that the Netherlands international actually contacted the club himself asking the hierarchy to stay.

De Jong’s current deal ends in 2015, but the veteran is keen to put pen-to-paper and stay at San Siro.

Torres: 'An honour & a privilege to be at AC Milan'
4.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Fernando Torres has admitted it is a ‘privilege’ to join Milan and wants to emulate some of the club’s great strikers.

The Spain international joined the Rossoneri on Friday on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea.

And the goalscorer has conceded that the weekend was a bit of a blur, but is ready to find his shooting boots with the San Siro outfit.

“Everything goes so fast during the first few days,” he told reporters. “I’ve been to Milanello, met the staff and the rest of the players.

“I saw the match against Lazio and I hope that with me in the team we can be a bit stronger.

“You don’t need to go to the museum here to learn about how great this club is. I’ve seen Milan win so many trophies, so it’s a great honour and privilege to be here.

“I want to take advantage of this opportunity. It is a challenge that I needed. I’m really happy to be here.

“I can’t wait to get started. I played in La Liga, the Premier League and now I am playing in my third important European league.

“I want to score the goals that can take this club back up with the best around.

“Every player is different, but [Van Vasten, Weah and Inzaghi] defined an era. I want to achieve the same results as them.

“I am different from those players, but maybe in a few years’ time, they’ll have my No.9 in the museum.”

The forward then commented on Pippo Inzaghi, and Serie A as a League.

“We all know what Inzaghi was like as a player, and now he is demonstrating his passion and desire on the touchline.

“I want to learn from him and I’m sure he’ll help me integrate into this team.

“In Europe, historically, there has been three big Leagues – England, Spain and Italy. There are times when one gets the better of another, but they are all important.

“I know many former teammates who have played for Milan, and they all say how great it is here.

“I had no problems adapting to English football, so I don’t see there being a problem here either.”

Torres then remarked on what he wanted to achieve with the club and on a personal level.

“Everyone here wants to win. We want to be near the top of the table. And on a personal note, I am expecting myself to have a big season.

“Milan can do well and return to Europe – I have no doubts about that.”

'Bonaventura deal done in five minutes'
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Atalanta director Pierpaolo Marino has revealed that they completed Giacomo Bonaventura’s sale in ‘five minutes’.

La Dea were thought to be in negotiations with Inter for their young playmaker, but the board members has admitted that when those talks broke down, a deal with Milan took no time at all.

“Bonaventura had been tracked by Inter over the last few days, but then, in the afternoon, the lad seemed undecided,” he told reporters.

“Then, at about 19.30 we knew that a move was off so we forgot about it. But after Biabiany’s move to Milan fell through, we received a phone call from Milan.

“Inzaghi spoke to Galliani, and then within five minutes we had come to an agreement.

“We have great respect for everyone at Milan, and we’re glad we could come to such a quick and mutually beneficial deal.”

Bonaventura completed his switch late last night, with his agent admitting that he cried when signing a five-year deal.

Gattuso cleared of match fixing
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Former Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been officially cleared of involvement in the Calcioscommesse scandal.

The accusation against Ringhio from December 2013 was that he had been involved in the ‘manipulation of some of Milan’s games’ during the 2012-13 Serie A season.

Gattuso has always maintained his innocence and yesterday evening was officially cleared, with Guido Salvaini telling the Cremona tribunal this week: “there is no enough evidence supporting Gennaro Gatuso’s involvement in the alteration of any Milan game.”

Gattuso is now manager at OFI Crete in Greece. His team has started with mixed results to the new Super League season with one win and one defeat to their name.

'Bonaventura cried when he signed'
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Giacomo Bonaventura’s agent admitted that the player cried when he signed his contract with Milan yesterday.

Adriano Galliani revealed in concluding a €7m deadline day transfer for the Atalanta man that he ‘wept with joy’ in penning his deal.

“It is true,” Giocondo Martorelli has told Tuttomercatoweb.com in the hours after completion of the deal.

“In signing, Giacomo cried. It was the realisation of a dream to wear the shirt of Milan, whilst now the goal is to convince Antonio Conte.”

Zaccardo refused Parma
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Cristian Zaccardo’s refusal to move to Parma, in exchange for Jonathan Biabiany, was reportedly down to money.

The defender was set to return to the Tardini yesterday as part of a deadline day deal that would see Biabiany move in the opposite direction.

Whilst the Frenchman quickly passed a medical, agreed personal terms and was even pictured with a Milan scarf and welcomed by the Rossoneri, the move fell through due to Zaccardo’s refusal to move in the other direction.

A number of outlets today are running the line that the 32-year-old’s wage demands were excessive and responsible for the collapse.

Specifically, it is understood that Zaccardo asked for a three-year contract at the same salary rate he is on at Milan, €900,000-a-season.

However, journalist Franco Ordine has suggested on Milan Channel that issues in negotiations settled on money owed to Zaccardo by the Ducali from his previous spell at the club.

From a credit of €400,000, a reported €150,000 is still due to the defender and payment of this was the issue of contention that broke negotiations.

Fiorentina asked for Abate
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Milan and Fiorentina were discussing deals for Manuel Pasqual and Ignazio Abate yesterday, but nothing could be agreed.

There were slight rumours yesterday that the Rossoneri, who picked up Marco van Ginkel and Giacomo Bonaventura on the final day of the transfer window, were talking with La Viola over full-back Pasqual.

Whilst this was denied yesterday by both clubs, Sportmediaset assert that negotiations were held and that included in those was a request from Fiorentina for Abate.

However, that was rejected by Milan and ultimately talks broke down over any move between the clubs.

Galliani explains AC Milan chaos
2.9 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Adriano Galliani explains why Jonathan Biabiany’s move to Milan collapsed and how Giacomo Bonaventura “wept with joy.”

It has been a chaotic transfer deadline day for the Rossoneri, as Biabiany was announced on the club website and then his move from Parma abandoned because Cristian Zaccardo refused to join Parma in exchange.

Instead, only hours later, Milan secured Atalanta wide man Bonaventura on a five-year contract for a reported €7m including add-ons.

“I am very happy with our transfer market,” Galliani told Milan Channel.

“In the market you must have the strength to wait and surprise your rivals at the end, as you do in a cycling race.

“The operation for Biabiany was very advanced, we had agreed terms with Parma and Biabiany, but Zaccardo refused this destination too.

“We had thought then we needed to find another player and thought of Bonaventura. He is a great player, but also a great person, as he wept with joy when signing the contract.”

Galliani had a very low-cost strategy this summer, selling Mario Balotelli to Liverpool for €20m and Bryan Cristante to Benfica for €6m, but mainly bringing in free agents or loans.

“Cristante asked us to leave because there are too many players in the squad. I tried to convince him, but he wanted to go.

“I had proposed him on loan to an Italian club, but he said he didn’t want to play against Milan, so he went abroad. He didn’t want to go on loan either.

“We reinvested the sum from Cristante for Bonaventura, who is still young and has so much quality. Once the Biabiany move collapsed, we went on a real blitz for Bonaventura.

“I really like Biabiany and he has always shown a lot of affection for our club colours. It’s a shame, I am really sorry, but these things can happen in football.”

OFFICIAL: AC Milan sign Bonaventura
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Source: Football Italia

Milan have officially signed Giacomo Bonaventura from Atalanta for €7m on a five-year contract.

The transfer was confirmed by Milan this evening after Atalanta director Pierpaolo Marino tweeted this photograph of the midfielder putting pen to paper with CEO Adriano Galliani.

The contract runs to June 30 2019 and the transfer fee, including add-ons, is believed to be €7m.

They moved very quickly towards the Orobici winger after the Jonathan Biabiany move sensationally collapsed when Cristian Zaccardo refused to join Parma in exchange.

The Rossoneri had also been due to give Parma €4m plus €1m in performance-related bonuses for Biabiany.

When that situation precipitated, Milan dived into negotiations with Atalanta for Bonaventura and worked quickly to complete the operation.

Milan already raised €6m of that sum by selling young midfielder Bryan Cristante to Benfica for €6m including add-ons this evening.