Tuttosport: Hauge disappointed but accepts Milan’s decision with great professionalism

There were some eyebrows raised when it was revealed last night that AC Milan have left Jens Petter Hauge out of their Europa League squad.

The Rossoneri submitted their squad list for the knockout round to UEFA and the absence of Hauge stands out. For the group stages, Milan registered a squad of 23 players in List A. Gigio Donnarumma, Matteo Gabbia and Daniel Maldini were included in List B because they came through the academy at Milan.

Leo Duarte, Mateo Musacchio and Andrea Conti left in January, so Milan find themselves with one less player having come through an academy in Italy (Conti). This means reduction of List A players allowed from 23 to 22. Hauge, Rade Krunic and Soualiho Meite were among the obvious candidates to be excluded, and the Norwegian has been chosen.

According to this morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanLive), the Rossoneri were indeed forced to reduce the number of players (from 23 to 22), but Hauge accepted and understood the choice of Pioli and the coaching staff. If there is an injury, of course, he may well still get his chance.

The player was disappointed with the choice, but he accepted it with great professionalism, putting the good of the club first.