Share

Bertolacci completes AC Milan move

Milan - Italy international midfielder Andrea Bertolacci said he can't wait to be part of AC Milan's "important project" after officially joining the fallen Serie A giants from Roma on Monday.

Bertolacci, considered one of the brightest talents of his generation, became the Rossoneri's first major signing of the summer when he joined the club on four-year deal worth a reported €20 million.

"A.C Milan communicate that Andrea Bertolacci has been officially signed from AS Roma. The midfielder has signed a contract until 30 June 2019," said a club statement.

In an earlier statement the 24-year-old Bertolacci - who has spent the past three seasons playing for Genoa, scoring six goals in 35 league appearances last term - said: "It is going to be a great feeling to arrive at the San Siro with a Milan shirt, I cannot wait to start.

"My first choice was Milan, there is an important project and I will be ready for training camp. I am 24 and I can still improve, I want to back up the good work I did last season and take Milan a long way."

Until last week Bertolacci had been co-owned by Genoa and Roma although the latter bought the player outright with a payment of €8.5 million to Genoa.

Roma's move preceded his sale to Milan, who in recent weeks have been trailing behind city rivals Inter in the summer transfer market after they captured France midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco.

The Nerazzurri remain linked to Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda and have recently welcomed Jeison Murillo from Granada having signed the Colombian international defender in January.

Milan are reportedly close to signing Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca as both Milan clubs look to rebuild after finishing in mid-table and missing out on Europe next season.

Rossoneri coach Filippo Inzaghi was fired just over a week ago and replaced by Sinisa Mihajlovic, who led Sampdoria to a seventh-place finish last season and a place in the Europa League.

Mihajlovic has a tough task ahead if he is to hoist Milan out of the doldrums.

But Bertolacci said he is willing to play in any position if it means pulling on the famous red and black shirt.

"I have spoken to Luca Antonelli, Alessio Cerci and the coach, and everyone wants to do well," he added.

"This club has an important history and I am happy to be here with lots of class players. Last season I played as a midfielder but I will do what the coach wants.

"This year will be important for all of us, I will try to do my best and hopefully we will finish high up the table."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE