Sven Botman admits Milan gave him a ‘good feeling’ but in the end, ‘Newcastle felt just a little better.’
The Dutch defender had been in talks with the Rossoneri for several months, but the Serie A giants didn’t match Newcastle’s offer as new owners Elliott would rather reinforce their attack than spend big on a new centre-back. Stefano Pioli’s men have one of the less beaten defences in Europe in 2022, so the club owners want to bolster his options up front.
Botman waited for Milan for a while but eventually decided to move to St. James’ Park.
“In the end, Newcastle’s ambitious project and the opportunity to play in the Premier League were decisive factors,” he told De Telegraaf.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. Milan gave me positive feelings, but Newcastle felt just a little better in the end.
“Football in England is different than in France. I am not too famous, but people recognised me in the streets and wanted to talk to me. Fans have welcomed me warmly at the stadium and the training centre, I am not accustomed to this.”
Both Newcastle and Milan tried to sign Botman in January, but Lille didn’t want to sell.
“I already want to come here in January because some opportunities only come once,” the defender revealed.
“Newcastle were a great opportunity for me, but my club wanted to keep me. In the end, I left Lille in the right way, the way they deserved, because I knew we’d play two great games against Chelsea in the Champions League.”
Botman was Paolo Maldini’s priority to strengthen Milan’s defence, but the deal collapsed last week when the Dutch centre-back decided to accept Newcastle’s offer. Botman had agreed to personal terms with Milan in February when the Rossoneri met his entourage at Casa Milan.
The Diavoli won their first Serie A title in 11 years last season and are now trying to improve their squad to retain the Scudetto and go beyond the Champions League group stage.