When AC Milan return from the international break, they will welcome Udinese to San Siro, and Florian Thauvin, the Udine outfit’s captain, has made an admission about previous interest from the Rossoneri.
Thauvin’s career is certainly interesting to say the least, and in a few years time – if not already – he would make a great round of guess the player from the clubs, but we digress. His record since moving to Italy, is quite questionable, contributing 12 times since the 2022/23 season, but he has still been a key figure in Udine.
However, his career could have possibly gone down a different route, and speaking to Sportweek, he admitted that a move to Milan once looked possible, and his words have been relayed by Calciomercato.com.
“After eight years at Marseille I was mentally tired. I needed to take a break, do something different. OM had offered me another five-year contract, and then Lyon called me, I had spoken with Giuntoli, who was at Napoli, with Maldini, who wanted me at AC Milan, the team that would have been, and still is, my dream.
“Even Atletico Madrid wanted me. But after Covid all the clubs were in a difficult economic situation, while a really important offer had arrived from Mexico. I also felt the need to be closer to my family, my son Alessio was just 1 year old.”
The move to Tigres….
“The biggest mistake of my life: I’m a great athlete, the rhythm of my day is dictated by football, and the level of Mexican football didn’t give me the chance to maintain certain standards. That’s why I immediately said yes to Udinese. At the beginning it was difficult because I did not feel the trust of the coach, but I worked hard to prove that I am a strong player and that there is a future for me in football.”
Expiring contract…
“In June my contract with Udinese expires. I’m fine here, really, but I’ve always said that a top player aspires to play at the highest level. I don’t know how it will go, but I certainly feel like a top club player. The captain’s armband is a new experience for me. I enjoy the relationship with my teammates. I talk to the team before every game, but I prefer man-to-man talks.”
His last season in France saw him score and assist eight times each, so perhaps, he could have been a decent addition at the time. However, there would certainly be questions asked if the Rossoneri made a move for him now.