Dest confirms desire to earn permanent move and compares Milan’s style with Barcelona and Ajax

By Oliver Fisher -

Sergino Dest has revealed a desire to convince AC Milan that they should make his loan spell from Barcelona a permanent deal next summer.

The Athletic recently gave some background on how Dest experienced a whirlwind final part of the summer transfer window, when it looked like he could have ended up joining Manchester United, Villarreal or Borussia Dortmund before ending up at Milan.

Dest will have a desire to prove himself at Milan given that the Barcelona hierarchy did a U-turn on their stance of keeping him for the 2022-23 season and instead actively looked to offload him, with the Rossoneri securing a loan deal that does include an option to buy at around €20m.

The American full-back has already made two appearances as he came off the bench against both Red Bull Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, but today was the day of his unveiling press conference and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.

Like yours, Gullitt and Seedorf’s dads were also born in Suriname. Was your arrival at Milan destiny?

“It’s a sort of fate that brought me here. I’m a rather reserved guy, I don’t like talking about my family. It’s an honor to be here, I hope to do well at Milan as Seedorf did.”

What can this experience in Italy give you? Also from a tactical point of view…

“I am a versatile defender, I can play both left and right. My favourite position is full-back, but if I need to, I can play even further ahead.”

Why should Milan buy you permanently in June?

“I will give 100% and show that at the end of the season Milan should decide to keep me. The only thing I can do now is to give my best.”

You are American and the ownership of Milan is American…

“I’m more focused on football. I’m happy that the ownership is American, but it didn’t affect my choice. I remain focused only on the pitch.”

How is your adaptation to Milan and Italy going?

“Everything is going well. We are playing every three days, so I didn’t have time to look around and visit the city. Everyone in the team is very welcoming, it’s not easy to remember all the names, but the coach helps me.”

Have you heard from Serginho?

“I know him, I know he did great things for Milan. I am focused on myself and on my growth. I have to do my best for Milan.”

What are you working on the most? How do you see Serie A?

“It’s a different league, here I can become a more complete player. I’ll have to focus on improving my defensive skills. Changing teams and leagues is an excellent opportunity to grow.”

Do you feel ready for the Milan style? Full-backs often play up the field too…

“I am happy to be here. Pioli’s game is very good, he can allow me to develop my game in the best possible way. This season can be an opportunity for me to help the team, developing both my attacking and defensive characteristics.”

Did you bond with any team-mates in particular in these first days at Milan?

“I have recently arrived. Everyone is helping me, but I want to integrate into the whole group without specifically binding to anyone.” 

What is the difference between AC Milan, Barcelona and Ajax? What has amazed you the most about the Rossoneri world so far?

“Ajax and Barça have a similar game, based on ball possession. At Milan there is a faster game to get to the goal as soon as possible. To make a comparison, however, I prefer to wait until the end of this season.” 

Is there any player from Milan’s past that you particularly liked? Who impressed you the most out of your new team-mates?

“Milan have a great past. There are many great players like Ronaldinho and Maldini. Leao is a great player. The important thing is the team and not the individual. It is team play that leads to victories.” 

Tags AC Milan Sergino Dest

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