Sergiño Dest has revealed what went wrong in his eyes with AC Milan, describing it as the right club but not the right moment for his career.
Dest joined Milan on a season-long loan from Barcelona but he never really hit the ground running, struggling for regular starts and failing to impress when he did get the opportunity to play under Stefano Pioli.
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Now, at PSV Eindhoven, he is a man reborn. The full-back has two goals and three assists in eight games this season and has become a Champions League regular, while Milan sit and watch the competition from home this year.
Dest did an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he spoke about his past at Milan and why his loan perhaps didn’t work out for any of the parties involved.
What is your new life like?
“I have three simple dreams: to win the league again with PSV for the third time in a row, to have a good World Cup in 2026, and to return to another big international club, perhaps an Italian one.”
Maybe Milan?
“It could be, Milan is a fantastic city, I hope to return one day.”
What went wrong at Milan?
“Wrong place, wrong time. The timing was unfortunate. I wasn’t in top form, to be honest, especially because I was coming from a complicated situation in Barcelona. I remember great faith from Maldini and Massara from the first day I arrived.
“There wasn’t a great connection with Pioli: Calabria was the captain and played in the same position as me, so it wasn’t easy for Pioli to manage the situation either. Milan remain an incredible club, however.”
Explain this lack of chemistry with Pioli…
“Our relationship has always been good. By chemistry, I mean I would have hoped to play more honestly. I want to say that I’ve never had any problems with him, he’s a good person. He’s made his choices, and I respect them.”
How did the negotiations with Milan come about?
“It was September 1, 2022, the last day of the transfer market. Barcelona wanted to loan me. I was 21 and looking for a top-tier club. The negotiations with Milan were a breeze. I thank Maldini and Massara for their trust.”
Fourteen games, three as a starter and a few physical problems: any regrets?
“No regrets. I had a lot of fun at Milan despite everything, and I learned a great lesson from men like Maldini, Massara, Leao, and Ibrahimovic: you must never give up. Even being out for so long made me mentally stronger. And even better…”
In what areas?
“In the kitchen. The Italian food is delicious. I also appreciated your culture.”
Um no thanks. And this is coming from an American. His attitude and form fluctuate wildly. He’s not Milan material. I’ve seen him play live a few times and his decision making isn’t good enough. He is exactly where he should be. Yea PSV are in the champions league while Milan isn’t, but they could play in the champions league for the next 10 years strait and won’t get past the quarters while Milan can come back in at any moment and at the very least make it to a semi final. So not really jealous or missing him. Also should be noted that he’d play in Salad’s position, and no one is taking that spot from him at the moment.
Seems like the perfect backup to him if he was ok with that though. Pretty similar playstyles.
Thank You. Maybe later…
I’d rather take back Diedo Laxalt…the goat.
I like Dest a lot, he’s amazing on the ball for a wingback, and he would add a real attacking weapon. He can play on the left or on the right. And in a 3-man back, his defensive weaknesses could be covered for. He’s a better defender now too, after the last few years.
Right now, we have Saladmaker, and he’s all we need on the Right. On the Left, well, it’s Estupinan, and he needs to be given a chance.
So…I’d say… not now… but if Salad leaves or Estupinan never improves… I could see this happening and a return to San Siro.