Chaka Traore completed a loan move to Palermo on deadline day and he has revealed why he chose to make the switch, as well as what Stefano Pioli told him before he left.
Traore had a fantastic start to 2024, scoring against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia and then against Empoli in the league, but there were rumours throughout the month about a potential loan to get more game time.
Palermo were the team that won the race to sign him, and Di Marzio reported that it was not just a dry loan deal but also one with an option to buy set at €10m plus a 15% resale clause in favour of Milan.
There was no mention of a buy-back in the report, nor has anything emerged since suggesting there is one, which makes it seem like a gamble on the face of things from Milan.
Today, Chaka introduced himself to Palermo at a press conference and his comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.
Why Palermo?
“When I heard the name Palermo I was happy and proud to be able to come to this fantastic place. I was immediately excited at the idea of coming to this club to help it achieve its targets for the season.”
What were your first impressions after Friday’s 3-0 win?
“As soon as I arrived at the stadium I was thrilled to hear the fans and see how people care about this shirt. And I’m still excited.”
What did Pioli say to you?
“I can only thank him for everything he has done for me. He helped me achieve some personal goals. When he heard that I was coming to Palermo he told me that I should commit to giving my best. He complimented me, telling me to continue as I was doing at Milan, giving everything for this shirt.”
Have you set any targets?
“I want to help Palermo achieve an important goal such as achieving promotion to Serie A. Personal aims? It’s true that I’m a forward and I have to score goals, but the important thing is promotion, this team and this great city deserves it.”
Can you tell us more about the transfer formula?
“I live in the present, let’s see what comes out of it. I’m here to help. Then I don’t care what happens next. I just want to work on the pitch and help the team.”
What did it teach you being at Milan?
“I learned a world of football. I have also grown a lot on a personal level. In addition to the football aspect, Milan also teaches you to be a man, a good person in all areas. I worked not only on the field but also with people. They welcomed me like a son, I will never stop thanking Milan for what they gave me.”
What is your favoured role?
“I prefer to play on the left, but regardless of where I am placed I will always try to give my best. I also played on the right and central.”
Did becoming a part of the City Football Group influence your choice?
“It is the most important football group in the world. When I heard about Palermo I was happy with the attention that such an important group had reserved for me.”
What did Leao and Giroud teach you?
“In football as in life you never stop learning. I think I’m good at certain things, but I still have to learn a lot to reach the top. You can only learn from great players, always with respect. Maybe even stealing certain things you see done on the pitch helps a lot.”
Foolish we gave up on this kid so early….for a club that focuses on youth development and doesn’t want to spend heavily on proven players hard to understand why we gave an option to buy to Palermo. Loan ok, but why the option? Given Leao will be sold to PSG, a young backup to Okafor (or Pulisic if Chuk finally shows he’s not a bust) would have been smart planning for the future. Many were so high on this kid when we signed him, strange to give that option….
I totally agree with you. Giving up on him is a bad idea especially with the option to buy formula.
Utterly Bizarre.
To the point you would have to be suspicious as to what sort of deal is really going on
Same thing I said but my comment got deleted 🤷♂️
I thought he was going to replace Leao??? Why option to buy???
Really?