Charles De Ketelaere admits Milan ‘partially’ convinced him to leave but takes responsibility for flopping with the Rossoneri last term.
The Belgian attacked failed to justify his €35m price tag by not scoring in 40 appearances with Milan in 2022-23.
He joined Atalanta on an initial loan deal with an option to buy earlier this summer and has already scored one goal and delivered one assist in three appearances with La Dea.
CDK has explained what went wrong at Milan last season during a press conference with the Belgium national team.
“When you arrive in a new place, there is a lot to do. Adapt to a new country, to a new style of play, a new language,” he said as quoted by Gazzetta.
“It’s also my fault if it didn’t work at Milan. It was not the season I expected, but I have no regrets.
“I never reached a high level and being introduced as a substitute did not help,” continued the 22-year-old.
“I am not an explosive kind of person, I feel better when I am on the pitch for a longer period of time and I can really get involved in the game.
“Criticism did the rest, I don’t always read papers, I try to isolate myself, but I still heard what had been said and I was not unconcerned. Not scoring was a problem too. People want goals and assists, they don’t just look at the performance.”
So, did the Rossoneri push him out of the club?
“Partially yes, but I also knew I would not have had enough playing time,” he admitted.
“There were negotiations for the entire summer so I asked myself: Shall I stay and wait for my opportunity or join another team to prove myself? The second option made me feel better, Atalanta even more.”
However, CDK is still grateful to Milan: “I learned a lot, I have more experience tactically. Overall, I think I’ve become a better player.”
The Belgian started his first game with La Dea last weekend, contributing to a 3-0 win over Monza with one assist. He had scored on his debut against Sassuolo coming off the bench in the first Serie A game of the season.
“I want to prove myself in the new club. It’s not that I didn’t want to join PSV or other clubs. I wanted Atalanta,” he said.
“I am playing closer to the goal here, so I can become the best version of myself. Last year, I was an attacking midfielder.”