Yacine Adli has given some background on how his move to AC Milan came about, and confirmed that Paolo Maldini had a big hand to play.
Milan announced the signing of Adli from Bordeaux on deadline day. The midfielder, who turned 21 last month, has signed a five-year contract with the Rossoneri and it was agreed that Adli would be sent back to the French side on loan for this season.
Calciomercato.com reported that there were a couple of key factors in negotiations that helped Milan get Adli. Bordeaux did not want to sell the player and asked for €15m to do so, but the Rossoneri’s willingness to send him back to them on loan allowed them to get a €7m discount. The second is that the player was happy to return and keep guaranteed playing time.
Adli spoke to French outlet Telefoot about his decision to try a new experience in Italy with Milan, and his comments were relayed by Calciomercato.com.
“When Maldini calls you to explain that a great club like Milan wants you, there is no need to think too much about it. It’s a pride, considering where I came from; I would never have imagined such a thing,” said the midfielder.
“Today I am a different player than in the beginning, capable of making a difference. We must not forget that I am just 21 years old and I’m still in the early days of my career. I keep my ears open to steal any advice that may be useful to me. An idol? Zidane, is the world class. An extraordinary man, everything he emanates is positive, a person I admire very much.”
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