Andrea Petagna claims Milan broke ‘promises’ when they re-signed Alessandro Matri in 2013. “Like a child who had their dream taken from them, I cried.”
Petagna began his career at Milan and looked destined for a first-team berth at San Siro, but he was forced to join Sampdoria late in the summer 2013 transfer window after they bought back Matri.
“Milan are a family for me, it’s the team where I grew up,” the 23-year-old told DAZN ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash between SPAL and his formative club.
Andrea Petagna claims Milan broke ‘promises’ when they re-signed Alessandro Matri in 2013. “Like a child who had their dream taken from them, I cried.”
Petagna began his career at Milan and looked destined for a first-team berth at San Siro, but he was forced to join Sampdoria late in the summer 2013 transfer window after they bought back Matri.
“Milan are a family for me, it’s the team where I grew up,” the 23-year-old told DAZN ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash between SPAL and his formative club.
“I joined Milan when I was 13 years old and I was owned by Milan for at least 6 years, before arriving in Bergamo at Atalanta.
“It’ll certainly be an important game and a difficult one because they have to win to get into the Champions League and we want to do the same to finish 10th in the table.
“When I was 17, almost 18, I was training with Allegri’s Milan. Adriano Galliani, who was almost a second father to me over the years at Milan, promised me that I’d stay in the first team.
“However, they bought Matri on deadline day and, so I wouldn’t return to the Primavera team, I decided to go to Sampdoria. Like a child who had their dream taken from them, I cried.”
Petagna had always been talked about as a player who helped bring the best out of his teammates, but the former Atalanta striker has scored 16 goals for SPAL this season.
“Maybe I lacked a little conviction, I didn’t shoot much,” he added.
“Now I play a little closer to goal, I have more chances. I’m also happy because scoring all these goals at SPAL isn’t easy. It’s not like playing for a bigger team.
“I came across an excellent atmosphere and a very good Coach that I must thank because he gave me confidence and strength in all the matches.
“Bobo [Vieri] is one of my first critics. When I’m not doing well, he’s the first to send me a message and tell me where to improve.
“He was a champion and, I think, the best Italian striker of all time. I’m pleased to see that he cares about me and gives me advice, as only he can do.
Finally, he expressed a desire to add to his one Italy cap.
“The national team is every child’s dream. I’ll do everything to try to earn their call. It’s the objective of every player.”