Samu Castillejo admits it has ‘not been an easy time’ for him, as he burst into tears at the final whistle of Milan’s win over Verona and was embraced by coach Stefano Pioli and all his teammates.
These were tears of joy, as he was pushed towards the exit and insulted by fans over the summer for seemingly turning down transfers, only to change the game tonight coming off the bench at half-time with the Rossoneri 2-0 down.
He earned a penalty and then his cross was deflected for an own goal by Koray Gunter.
“My tears said it all about the period I went through and am still going through,” Castillejo told Milan TV and Sky Sport Italia.
“I am someone who tries to give his all on the pitch. Yesterday it felt like nobody wanted me here, today I can celebrate with the fans in my home of San Siro.”
The Spaniard was visibly moved at the final whistle when celebrating with the fans, which then prompted coach Pioli and each of his teammates to give him a cuddle.
This made him even more emotional and was a sweet scene at the Stadio Meazza.
“It’s a difficult situation for me, it has not been an easy time. My family is far away, I really miss them, but destiny meant that I stayed here and tonight showed me why.”
Castillejo has barely played this season, but stepped up and made the difference during an injury crisis.
“I am frankly surprised that I am doing so well physically, as it’s been a long time since I played. I helped the team today and that is why I am happy.”