Franck Kessie’s contract will expire at the end of the season and he’s yet to agree on a renewal with AC Milan, despite a few high offers. Ivory Coast manager Patrice Beaumelle has now weighed in on the situation.
The midfielder is currently on international duty with Ivory Coast and while that is going on, time is running out on the renewal. It’s clear that a decision will have to be made soon as that would be best for both parties.
In an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, national team manager Beaumelle spoke about the importance of Kessie in the team. He also praised Stefano Pioli for the player’s growth, while also weighing in on the future.
Today he is a midfielder, and also a good one…
“Thanks to Pioli. He made Kessie one of the best players in Serie A. Now he is more disciplined, efficient, diligent in his choices. He asks him to play simple plays to have more impact on the game.”
What do you expect from him?
“A lot. As mentioned before, if we are a Ferrari, he is our engine. He must take the game in hand and show his teammates that he is a safety in the middle of the field. He will make it, he is a leader.”
His season of ups and downs…
“Last year was great, but he didn’t have a break. He is like that, he hates to rest. Once, as a joke, I told him that I would send him to the bench to let him catch his breath. He comes from a challenging year between Milan and the Olympics, he should have rested a little more.”
Does the renewal situation with Milan have anything to do with it?
“I always tell him to stay focused. Only in this way will he be able to snatch a contract, with the Rossoneri or elsewhere. Franck is intelligent and knows exactly what he wants.”
Which is what? Stay or go away?
“He must choose with the heart. Milan are a great club, in case of farewell they would lose a great talent and they know it. There he is the starter, he is part of a system, Pioli appreciates him, now the choice is up to him. The only thing I can tell him is to stay in a place where he can improve himself even more,” he stated.
Based on those comments, the manager wants Kessie to remain at Milan and continue his impressive growth. It remains to be seen how the saga will end but as said, it probably won’t go on forever.
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