AC Milan centre-back Alessio Romagnoli, who has courted interest from Premier League club Chelsea, has said that he is happy at San Siro and has no intention of leaving the I Rossoneri anytime soon
Antonio Conte was reported to be interested in securing the signature of the highly rated Romagnoli in the summer transfer window, with many outlets speculating the Chelsea manager’s insistence on splashing out as much as £50 million to lure the Italian defender to Stamford Bridge.
But despite several attempts the West London club failed to prize the young centre-back away from Milan, eventually signing David Luiz as the Brazilian defender made a shock return to SW6 for a reported £34 million.
As reported by FourFourTwo, the four-time Premier League champions were said to be keen to make another move for Romagnoli in the January transfer window, but the defender has now admitted that he is not interested in a move away from San Siro.
“I am happy at Milan and in Italy, so I hope to remain here,” Romagnoli told Mediaset Premium in the aftermath of AC Milan’s surprise 1-0 win over defending Serie A champions Juventus.
Post a solid performance, where his defensive display played a crucial role in keeping the Juventus attackers at bay, Romagnoli was quick to heap praises on manager Vincenzo Montella and the positive changes he has brought about at the club.
He added: “It was a great game and a wonderful feeling. We must continue like this. We want to get into Europe, but it all depends on us. If we carry on in this vein, then we can really go far. The table is tight and we’re only at Week 9, so let’s enjoy the moment. Montella did well to turn us into a united group. He gave us a sense of calm and you can see it.”
Montella has has been building his squad around a nucleus of some talented young players and Romagnoli’s words will be music to the ears of the Milan manager who, at 21, is already one of the most influential members of the squad.
The club currently sits 3rd in the Serie A table, just two points behind leader Juventus after a solid start to the season, and will be looking to get back to Europe for the first time in three seasons.
As for Chelsea, the club might have to look for options elsewhere with their prime target seemingly content at San Siro currently.
