Franck Kessie’s agent has given a background on how his client ended up at AC Milan, and has revealed that he believes his client will remain with the Rossoneri.
Kessie only joined permanently from Atalanta last summer following the conclusion of his two-year loan deal (with obligation to buy) from Atalanta.
The Ivory Coast international has been criticised for his performances this season, both under previous head coach Marco Giampaolo and new boss Stefano Pioli, as he has failed to find consistency alongside Ismael Bennacer despite repeated opportunities.
A number of sides have been linked with a move to sign him over the last few months including the likes of Wolves, Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham in England plus Napoli in Serie A.
His agent George Atanga has given an exclusive interview to Calciomercato.com and told an anecdote dating back to 2017 before addressing his client’s future.
“Roma and Atalanta had gone a long way but we had reached a verbal agreement with the Rossoneri,” he said.
A sensational thing happened with Inter. I had the handshake with Milan when the Nerazzurri called me to tell me that we should absolutely meet to talk about Franck. An appointment in an unusual place. Inter tried seriously to join the last turn for Kessie but by now I had given my word to Milan, which is worth more than a signature.
“I remember that joining Milan was a gamble, we did it because this is a club that has always meant a lot to us. Now there is a project in development and for this reason the present leads me to think that even the future may be in red and black.
“Franck is at one of the most important clubs in the world, which certainly does not experience the moment of greatest splendour, but which intends to revive itself.”
Although the rest of Milan’s foreign squad members returned from their respective home countries during the week – with the exception of Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Kessie is stuck in the Ivory Coast.
Atanga explained: “The Ivory Coast has closed its borders and for this reason it is not easy to bring him back.
“Franck trains every day to be found ready and tries to be useful also from from a social point of view, he sent food for families in difficulty and gave masks and disinfectants.”
