Former head coach Arrigo Sacchi has taken a look back at some of the players that AC Milan let go of that they might now feel a hint of regret about.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport features an interview with Sacchi, who discusses the Milan players who are currently thriving elsewhere.
He began with Brahim Diaz, who thanked Milan after scoring the winning goal against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, having spent three seasons on loan at the club before returning to the Spanish city.
Sacchi also discussed Charles De Ketelaere, who had a difficult first season with Milan following his big-money move from Club Brugge in the summer, before moving to Atalanta on loan, where he has already scored double digits.
Then he named two players who departed on free transfers a year apart: Franck Kessie to Barcelona, and Hakan Calhanoglu to city rivals Inter.
“The wonder of Brahim Diaz with the Real Madrid shirt in the Champions League, the constant growth of Charles De Ketelaere with Atalanta, the increasingly decisive role of Calhanoglu in league leaders Inter,” he went on to say.
“There are three reasons for regret for Milan, without a doubt, because they were Rossoneri players who left for various reasons. If desired, we could also add Kessie, who recently won the Africa Cup of Nations, and Paquetà , who currently plays for Brazil.
“The final two things indicated, in my opinion, do not belong in the huge category.
Kessie’s tenacity and commitment helped Milan win the title, but he didn’t impress me at Barcelona.
“On Diaz, the situation is fairly easy. If Real Madrid loans you a player and sees that he is progressing and can help them, it is understandable that they would want him back. Ancelotti explained to me that he has matured much in Italy, including physically: this suggests that Milan worked hard on him.
“The reasoning to be applied to De Ketelaere is different. He is performing admirably for Atalanta after a rough season with the Rossoneri. This suggests Maldini was correct: he wanted him at all costs and saw him as a potential champion.
“The truth is that you must be patient with foreigners, whereas we Italians often expect the best without allowing them time to integrate.
“Finally, Calhanoglu has a true regret, possibly the most serious: he is proving to be a top-tier director. with Milan, he was an attacking midfielder; with Inter, he is a playmaker and the focal point of the build-up.
“He has charisma, a vision for the game, and a crisp, powerful shot. Yes, Milan will be placed in the list of regrets.”
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