Wigan Athletic defender Antonee Robinson has revealed that he cried when his move to AC Milan collapsed due to a heart problem being discovered.
Widespread reports emerged on the night before the final day of the window suggesting that Milan and Wigan had agreed a fee for the USA international, with left-back Ricardo Rodriguez having completed a move to PSV Eindhoven earlier in the day.
Robinson then travelled to Milano on deadline day morning to complete a dream move, undergoing both his medical and physical checks before heading to the club’s Casa Milan headquarters.
However, rumours began to emerge suggesting the move had hit the rocks, and Wigan then released a statement on their official website confirming that Robinson would be staying.
Now, Robinson has once again discussed what happened by talking to Sol Lovemore’s “Can I Get A Picture” program.
“It was a fantastic experience, starting from the flight that brought me to Milan. I left at 6 in the morning and upon my arrival in Italy I was greeted by many journalists who were there to recover and photograph me. It made me laugh that they were all there for me,” he said (via MilanLive).
“When I arrived at the hospital and they started to check my knee and back, I hoped that everything was ok and that no hitch would come out that would blow up the deal. Then I started a stress test where I had to go on a very high intensity exercise bike for about 15 minutes.
“I didn’t understand what the doctors said since they spoke in Italian, but then they asked me if I had ever had heart problems before. Then they sent me to a hospital where I made further checks and finally, after 4-5 hours, they took me to the office.
“I thought I would finally sign the contract, and instead there they informed me that they would no longer take me because of a heart defect found during medical visits.
“It was a shock to me, I was torn, and I couldn’t hold back the tears. We were not talking about a knee ailment, but about a situation that leaves you puzzled.”
On the future, he added: “I am ready for a new challenge, be it Premier League, Bundesliga or LaLiga.”
