Maxime Lestienne confirms he was close to Milan before signing for Genoa and models himself after Arjen Robben.

“I am very happy to be at Genoa, the oldest club in Italy,” said the 22-year-old Belgian in his presentation.

Maxime Lestienne confirms he was close to Milan before signing for Genoa and models himself after Arjen Robben.

“I am very happy to be at Genoa, the oldest club in Italy,” said the 22-year-old Belgian in his presentation.

“On Sunday I was at the stadium for Genoa-Napoli and the Rossoblu’s style of football really impressed me. It was a fine performance, especially against a tough side like Napoli.

“I know how Napoli play because they have Dries Mertens there. I’ll take a little time to adapt to Italian football, as it is different from in Belgium.”

Club Brugge sold Lestienne to Al Arabi for €10m, who then immediately loaned him out to Genoa in the hope he’ll improve his price-tag with strong Serie A performances.

“I am a wide forward who can play on the right or the left. I am at the disposal of the Coach, as he’ll know where best to use me.

“Am I similar to Mertens? Actually I’m more like Robben, but I know that to really become like him I have a lot more work to do.”

Before the switch to Genoa, Lestienne had been heavily linked with a move to Milan.

“It was a crazy summer,” he confessed. “I was sold to an investment fund, then Genoa got me. Big clubs were looking for me, including Milan, but President Preziosi’s words convinced me and I am happy.”

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