Milan eyebrows have been raised by comments made by Fode Ballo-Toure, who said ‘you can’t turn down Fulham’ after a deadline day move, because that is definitely not what the scenario looked like earlier this summer.
The full-back was not part of coach Stefano Pioli’s plans for this season and had been offered to numerous clubs, but the transfers always collapsed either because the teams could not work out a fee, or the player refused the switch.
That included Bologna, Werder Bremen, Torino, Royal Antwerp and Fulham.
There were even reports in the Italian media on July 26 that Milan were positively ‘irritated’ with Ballo-Toure for turning down the move to Fulham, which would’ve been worth €4m.
However, all that was forgotten when Ballo-Toure spoke to the Evening Standard newspaper about the Fulham transfer in the final minutes of deadline day.
“It’s a very big club, a historic club. It’s been very peculiar. I didn’t expect it — I thought I was going to stay in Milan,” said the 26-year-old Senegal international.
“At the last minute, I got a phone call from my agent, who told me that Fulham wanted me. I didn’t hesitate. I said yes and it happened very fast.
“I’m a very big fan of the Premier League. I followed Fulham last season and they played very good football. I know I will improve here.
“For me, you can’t turn down Fulham. I saw how they played last season and it was hard for me to turn them down.”
There is also still some uncertainty over the terms of this deal, as it was reported originally that Milan loaned him to Fulham with an option to buy for circa €4m.
Excuse me??? He couldn’t turn down the mighty Fulham lol More like you were pushed out of Milan by design. What a load of BS!
He was born in a Fulham shirt , has always supported them , and this has NOTHING to do with money…see also Lukkaka.