Colombo admits he knew Milan stay was unlikely and looks ahead to Inter 'derby'

Lorenzo Colombo has admitted that he was not expecting to return to AC Milan to stay in the senior squad going into the new season.

Earlier this month, the Rossoneri announced the departure of 21-year-old Colombo to Lecce on an initial loan deal. The newly-promoted Serie A side have a buy-out option they can use, but Milan also have a buy-back clause.

He made a good first impression during his first preseason game for the newly promoted side, netting a brace in their 7-0 friendly win over Rovereto, and he followed that up by scoring twice in the next friendly too which was a 3-2 defeat against Bundesliga side VfL Bochum.

Colombo spoke at his presentation press conference with Lecce and was asked about a number of different topics from his shirt number choice to the prospect of facing Inter, with MilanNews relaying his comments.

“The number 9 shirt? We are talking about it with Ceesay and we haven’t decided yet. I honestly didn’t think I’d stay at Milan. I wanted to have the opportunity to play the best minutes to prove who I am,” he said.

“I was very hoping for the call from Serie A, I was very keen to be able to express myself on such a stage and doing it with the Lecce shirt is something beautiful as well as a great opportunity that I don’t want to waste.

“Playing against Inter? I could define that match almost like a derby for me. For us it will be fundamental because it is the beginning of a journey in such an important season to celebrate in the city of Lecce.”