Massimiliano Allegri tried to focus Milan on Siena, but instead had to reassure “Robinho and Ignazio Abate are staying with us.”
Massimiliano Allegri tried to focus Milan on Siena, but instead had to reassure “Robinho and Ignazio Abate are staying with us.”
The Rossoneri are at the centre of numerous transfer stories this week after Alexandre Pato was sold to Corinthians for €15m, but talks with Santos for Robinho collapsed last night.
“Robinho wanted to go back to Brazil last summer,” revealed the Coach in his Press conference.
“Now he has to find the right state of mind and physical condition, seeing as he hadn’t trained in three weeks.
“Last night the negotiations broke down, so he is and remains a Milan player. As far as I’m concerned, he will stay until June.”
There were also reports that Zenit made a €10m offer for full-back Abate.
“Abate is a Milan player and is very happy to remain at Milan. I am not even going to consider his exit.
“Selling Pato is not a defeat for us, nor a victory. Milan lost an important player who always did score goals, but unfortunately had numerous injuries. He has the quality to recover and I hope he can find his fitness.”
Didier Drogba’s agents have suggested there are negotiations with Milan and Juventus for a return to Europe, but Allegri is not convinced.
“Considering our business model, Drogba will not arrive, because we have to focus on youth. The Ivory Coast international does not fit in with the ideas set out by President Silvio Berlusconi.
“Mario Balotelli? He is a Manchester City player. He just has to concentrate on himself, otherwise he can throw away his career.”
The last few days were also extremely tense after a friendly with Pro Patria was abandoned due to racist chanting against Kevin-Prince Boateng. The Ghanaian told German newspaper Bild today he is reconsidering his future in Italy.
“I didn’t see him particularly upset today. Perhaps he was letting off steam in the bitterness of the moment, but I think it’s all calmed down now. I don’t think he wants to leave Milan, as nobody likes leaving this club.
“In stadiums we ought to focus only on the sporting event. We should take down the barriers, as we are in 2013 and have to progress. It means taking important decisions and setting an example for youth.”
Milan ended 2012 with a heavy 4-2 defeat to Roma and need to get back on track on Sunday afternoon by welcoming Siena.
“Despite that defeat, we have amassed many points recently. Now we have to start again, but it won’t be easy against a Siena side that defends very well. The first game after a break is always very dangerous, especially if transfer rumours are distracting the players.
“Giampaolo Pazzini and Stephan El Shaarawy will start tomorrow, but I haven’t yet decided who will be behind them.”