Charles De Ketelaere admits he’d be glad to remain at Atalanta beyond June and reveals the position where he’s playing in Bergamo helps him ‘feel stronger.’
The Belgian striker scored and assisted in Atalanta’s 4-1 win over Salernitana on Monday night. The 22-year-old left his mark despite being introduced from the bench in the second half.
He now has four goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions and seems regenerated after a highly disappointing season at Milan last term.
The Belgian joined Atalanta on loan with an option to buy last summer and hopes to remain in Bergamo long-term.
“I feel well here. I hope to stay here and grow here, but it’s December, so I focus on games, and I won’t think about June or next season,” he told DAZN.
CDK is playing closer to the goal this season, while during the 2022-23 campaign, he was mainly deployed as an attacking midfielder at Milan. Former Italy international Luca Toni, one of the DAZN pundits, asked the 22-year-old if he feels he’s become physically stronger this term.
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“It’s true, the position is also giving me more strength,” the Belgian striker admitted.
“I am not a player who can run 12 km, but I have high intensity and this position gives me this, so I feel stronger in what I do.”
De Ketelaere added that Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini motivates players and helps them with tactical advice.
He also claimed that a recent victory against Milan has boosted Atalanta’s self-esteem.
“The win against Milan has boosted our confidence, then we went to Poland with many young players and to win 4-0 [in Europa League] gave us a lot of confidence too,” he concluded.
Atalanta have paid €3m for De Ketelaere’s season-long loan and can make his move permanent in the summer for €25m.