Stephan El Shaarawy has completed a transfer to Monaco. “I hope this can be the turning point. I owe a great deal to Milan.”
The deal had been announced on Friday evening, but he passed his medical in Montecarlo today.
“I am very disappointed to leave Milan, but I felt the moment had arrived to enjoy a new experience here,” he told reporters outside the Stade Louis II.
“I hope this can be the turning point. I thank all of Monaco for the faith in me and hope to repay it. This is the prime objective.”
Stephan El Shaarawy has completed a transfer to Monaco. “I hope this can be the turning point. I owe a great deal to Milan.”
The deal had been announced on Friday evening, but he passed his medical in Montecarlo today.
“I am very disappointed to leave Milan, but I felt the moment had arrived to enjoy a new experience here,” he told reporters outside the Stade Louis II.
“I hope this can be the turning point. I thank all of Monaco for the faith in me and hope to repay it. This is the prime objective.”
It is believed Monaco have paid €3m for the initial season-long loan with an option to buy for a further €13m-€15m.
There are reports the option will become mandatory when he makes his 15th appearance for the club.
“It all happened very quickly. I am happy with the decision I have made and can’t wait to get started. I am convinced there’s everything needed to have a great season.
“I had four very important years at Milan, which taught me so much. I owe a great deal to Milan. I chose to wear shirt number 22 in honour of Kaka. I am very happy and confident as a new Monaco player.”
Sinisa Mihajlovic had wanted to transform El Shaarawy into a midfielder and he hinted at this during the interview.
“Here I will certainly get the chance to play wide, even if I would’ve adapted to midfield. I made my choice and the objective is to get into the Nazionale for the Euros.
“I’ll be honest, I’m still struggling to get a handle on it all. It all happened so fast. Forza Milan, but also Allez Monaco.”
El Shaarawy is a 22-year-old wide attacking player who grew up in the Genoa youth academy.
He had a loan spell at Padova, then joined Milan in July 2011.
The Little Pharaoh scored 27 goals and provided 14 assists in 102 competitive games for the Rossoneri.
He is also a senior Italy international, netting once in 13 caps.
Image via MilanNews.it