Ismael Bennacer wasn’t ‘very convinced’ and had reservations before leaving Empoli to join Milan, according to Empoli’s sporting director.
Bennacer joined Milan following Empoli’s relegation from Serie A in 2019 and – according to several reports – is close to agreeing a contract extension with the Rossoneri.
However, Empoli’s Sporting Director told Gazzetta dello Sport (via milanlive.it) that the midfielder had his doubts over the move:
“During the negotiations with Milan for the sale of Bennacer, the player did not seem very convinced.
“But in reality his character as a great perfectionist was only emerging. I told Paolo Maldini what was happening, and I explained to him that at Milanello he would meet an exceptional professional”.
He added that he was ‘happy’ at how things had panned out positively for the Algerian at Milan, having now cemented his place as a vital part in a resurgent Rossoneri side.
Forging an incredible partnership with Franck Kessie at the base of the midfield, Bennacer has become one of the first names on the team sheet for Stefano Pioli.
Milan see him as pivotal to their future, hence their enthusiasm to tie him down to a new contract and avoid losing a player of such a high calibre.