Charles De Ketelaere missed a couple of sitters, but also provided an assist when Atalanta beat parent club Milan 3-2. ‘I admit, this win has a different flavour to it.’
The Belgium international is on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season for €24m plus bonuses and a 10 per cent cut of the future transfer fee.
He failed to score a single goal in his debut season with the Rossoneri, and some of that form was evident today in Bergamo when he twice missed when one-on-one with Mike Maignan.
However, he did contribute to the 3-2 victory by providing an assist for one of the Ademola Lookman goals, before Luis Muriel sealed it in stoppages.
“It was an important match for me and the team, both for the three points and for going into the future,” De Ketelaere told Sky Sport Italia.
“This boosts our confidence and the performance was very good. We hope to continue at this level.”
Inevitably, this had to feel special considering that De Ketelaere was effectively dropped by Milan after just one season for this Atalanta loan spell.
“All wins have a special feeling, as it is not easy to win in Serie A, but yes, I admit this win has a different flavour to it. I was so disappointed after that chance, though.”
He seems to have rediscovered some sense of calm and joy in Bergamo, whereas he was visibly anxious and struggling with the pressure of that €35m price-tag in Milan.
“It’s a lovely group, a lot of smiling, but also very professional. Even after this difficult recent period, nobody was angry with anyone else, and that is so important.”