Youssouf Fofana explains why he turned down other clubs to make his Milan dream come true. ‘We’ve been in contact for a few years, I was never afraid the move would fall through, I was just impatient.’
The negotiations dragged on for weeks this summer, with Manchester United and West Ham United seemingly prepared to make bigger offers and even higher wages to tempt him away.
However, he held out and eventually AS Monaco accepted the €23m plus €2m in add-ons proposal.
“When a club calls and shows they really want you, that has a big effect on your decision,” said the midfielder in his press conference alongside club icon and director Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Milan are very well known in France, they presented their project for the future and it all fell into place. I had already considered the idea of coming to Milan last summer, then decided to remain at Monaco for the new project that was shown to me. At the end of the day, everyone wins that way. I simply told the club I wanted to go and start a new adventure.”
Was Fofana ever afraid that the dream transfer would crumble when talks ground to a halt?
“No, I was never afraid. I was just very impatient. The season begins tonight and I wanted to already be on the pitch for Milan. People say waiting increases the desire and I am happy to finally be here with all of you. I showed a lot of patience, they called and asked me to be patient, and now I am here.”
Fofana preference for Milan was never a secret
The destination was never in doubt for Fofana’s friend, Moussa Diaby, who posted a message on his Instagram calling him to join the Rossoneri.
“It was a joke, we grew up together and so he left this comment. I took it the right way, my decision had already been made. I don’t know if I should say this, but I’ve been in contact with Milan for a few years. It was not possible before, but this was the right moment for me and for them. I am a more complete player and want to be in the Champions League, to win the Scudetto.”
Does he promise trophies to the fans?
“I am not here to promise anything. I just liked the project and I want to win, that is all. I am Youssouf Fofana, a modern midfielder who has to work in both areas of the pitch.”
New coach Paulo Fonseca was also instrumental in bringing Fofana to San Siro, though fellow French stars Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan and Olivier Giroud also gave advice.
“I spoke to the coach, he told me that he was very enthusiastic and couldn’t wait to start working with me. I remember when playing against his teams in France, it was always very difficult, as his style of play is different to what we are accustomed to.”