Gattuso: ‘Higuain never asked to leave’

Milan Coach Gennaro Gattuso claims Gonzalo Higuain “never told me he wants to leave. He has to decide how to resolve the issue” with Chelsea.

The Italian Super Cup against Juventus kicks off in Jeddah on Wednesday at 17.30 GMT.

The first question was inevitably about Higuain, who it’s reported could be dropped ahead of his transfer to Chelsea.

“I base my decisions on how players train during the week and how they work with the staff and their teammates,” said a visibly tense Gattuso in his Press conference.

Milan Coach Gennaro Gattuso claims Gonzalo Higuain “never told me he wants to leave. He has to decide how to resolve the issue” with Chelsea.

The Italian Super Cup against Juventus kicks off in Jeddah on Wednesday at 17.30 GMT.

The first question was inevitably about Higuain, who it’s reported could be dropped ahead of his transfer to Chelsea.

“I base my decisions on how players train during the week and how they work with the staff and their teammates,” said a visibly tense Gattuso in his Press conference.

“At this moment, I have to repeat the same words: there are many rumours, but Higuain is training well, working with everyone just fine and is at our disposal.

“We’ll see tomorrow whether he plays or not. He has to decide what to do, how to resolve this issue, but right now he is training with great professionalism. We’ll see.

“If he plays, it’s because I see him in good shape and relaxed. Either he’s a great actor or he’s really within the team, is always chatting and kidding with his teammates.

“I agree that after the missed penalty and red card against Juventus, something happened in his head. We’ll see tomorrow. As I said, it’s not easy for a Coach to change the idea of a player, so I have to concentrate on putting out the best line-up for the situation and getting the best out of every player.

“I want to reiterate that Higuain has never told me he wants to leave. I am waiting for that.

“I want to be honest, I didn’t even want to talk about Higuain, as we’re here for the Supercoppa. That seemed the fair thing to do for a team.

“I am not upset. I too was a player for many years, I realise there are moments when we all see things differently and cannot judge how someone else thinks.

“If the glass is half-full or half-empty, it remains the same glass. We’ll see what happens. I want to see this Supercoppa, hope it is a great game for us, but I won’t be upset or let down if he goes.

“I won’t answer any more questions on Higuain, we’ve been talking about this for 20 minutes. Higuain will 90-99 per cent start tomorrow, now can we please talk about the game?”