Davide Calabria believes that some offers arrived for his services this summer, but revealed his delight at being considered unsellable by AC Milan.
Calabria was linked with a move to Manchester United in April, however in truth he has never been remotely close to leaving the Rossoneri.
The 22-year-old full-back made 33 appearances in all competitions last season, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet under then head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Now, Calabria is looking forward to the new season under a new boss in Marco Giampaolo.
“I was sad that I was injured in the most important part of last season,” he told Sky Italia.
“Unfortunately the injury turned out to be more serious than expected and the times had to be respected. I was disappointed not to go to the European Under-21 Championship, but it was too risky,
“I am glad that for Milan I am unsellable. My agent probably had some offers in hand, but the club told us that I am important for the club project. I also spoke to the coach right away, so thank you Milan for your trust, I hope to repay it.”
Milan are hoping to go one better than last season and crack the top four once again, and Calabria has revealed there is confidence.
“We have changed so much, we are even younger than last year. Not going to Europe is making us focus more on the league.
“The goal is the Champions, we came close to it last year, now we must continue to work to achieve it. Little is said about it, but we are Milan and the goal is to play that competition.
“There is great confidence. I am very motivated, I can’t wait for the start of the new season. I see the coach and the whole team very motivated, we can’t wait to get started.
“I am convinced that I still have plenty of room for improvement. In the coach game the full-backs are very important, with him I can improve both on defense and offensive.”
On the new signings that the club has made: “The club has made targeted purchases, they will all be very useful. They all arrived with great availability.
“I am curious to see Bennacer, last year he impressed me at Empoli. I look forward to meeting him, he also did very well in the African Cup. We are waiting for him with open arms.”
Calabria is yet to be capped by the senior side for Italy, something which is a key objective for him.
“It is one of my goals, but it is a consequence of what I will do at Milan. I hope to do well at Milan and then to wear the Azzurri shirt.”
On working with Paolo Maldini, he added: “I have always said that he is my idol, I am pleased now to work together and have him as a point of reference. It is strange to always see him and talk to him, I have always admired him on TV”.
