Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie has signed for Italian Giants AC Milan on a two-year loan from Atalanta.
As reported by Ducor Sports earlier this week, Kessie underwent a medical test on Monday with the Milan side despite interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Napoli and Roma.
The financial details were not released but the deal requires Milan to purchase Kessie’s full rights after the loan period ends.
Speaking in an interview with Milan TV after the deal, Kessie revealed why he chose Milan despite attracting interest all over Europe.
“[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]I have to thank everyone, my agents, the team, and I am very happy to be part of this squad, I chose Milan because I like the project.[/perfectpullquote]
“There are new directors who explained everything very well and that was really pleasing.
“I spoke to the coach, who told me to come to Milan because I could become a champion here,” Kessie said.
The 20-year-old has been phenomenon in his first season with Atalanta BC helping it to a club-record fourth-place finish in Serie A. His six goals and three assists in 31 appearances made Atlanta Serie A’s surprise team this season.
The 20-year-old is considered by many as Yaya Toure’s successor not just for his box-to-box style of play, but his ability to muscle an opponent off the ball while finding the goal with ease.
Kessie played his first International game for the Elephants when he was 17 and is currently the Youngest African champion after winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
Asked which Rossoneri legend he would want to emulate, Kessie chose former Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien and even took jersey number 19 in honor of the former Chelsea player.
He becomes Milan’s second signing of the transfer period after center back Mateo Musacchio joined from Villarreal on Tuesday.
More reports have come in suggesting Milan is hoping to sign striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for €60 million euros (nearly $70 million) as they hope to give the club a competitive edge next season.
Featured photo: Twitter
