{"id":132862,"date":"2025-09-04T18:26:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/132862\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:26:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:26:09","slug":"why-i-struggled-at-chelsea-ac-milan-ambition-and-leao-hope-after-e37m-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/132862\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Why I struggled at Chelsea, AC Milan ambition and Leao hope ‘ after \u20ac37m move"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Christopher<\/p>\n

Christopher Nkunku at a press conference (acmilan.com)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Christopher Nkunku explains what didn\u2019t work for him at Chelsea, why he \u2018didn\u2019t think for a second\u2019 before joining Milan, and hopes to combine forces with Rafael Leao.<\/p>\n

The versatile forward made the move from Chelsea for \u20ac37m plus a further \u20ac5m in tough to achieve bonuses, and a percentage of the sell-on fee.<\/p>\n

It was a surprisingly quick process, as he had not been one of their main transfer targets, having different characteristics to the type of striker they had been looking for.<\/p>\n

Nkunku leapt at the chance to join Milan\"PHILADELPHIA,PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JUNE 24: Christopher Nkunku #18 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I heard about Milan interest was when I spoke to the director of sport. I didn\u2019t think about it too much, it was all perfect for me to come here,\u201d assured Nkunku in his press conference.<\/a><\/p>\n

There had been rumours before that linking him with a potential move to their rivals Inter, but he shrugged those reports off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI read that, but never spoke to anyone at Inter. When my agent told me about Milan\u2019s interest, I didn\u2019t have to think for a second.\u201d<\/p>\n

Milan explained they brought him in<\/a> because the lack of pace in the attack was made evident during Rafael Leao\u2019s injury, so does that mean they can play together?<\/p>\n

\u201cI do have similar characteristics to Rafa, he is a great player, but I think we can do well together. We all have to put our qualities at the disposal of the team. I can adapt to the coach and do what he asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like to play as a trequartista, then it depends on the system and how it is interpreted. The coach will decide, I can\u2019t wait to start playing. I feel good, I\u2019m training with the team and will be ready for the first game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"LONDON,LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 FEBRUARY 25: Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team\u2019s first goal by blowing up a blue balloon during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old was a huge \u20ac60m investment by Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, but he never quite made it work at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

In two years, he made 62 competitive appearances, contributing 18 goals and five assists.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was all perfect when I arrived, but then I got hurt and was out for quite a few months. I was so eager to return and when I did, there was a new muscular problem. The second season I felt good, but the coach made other decisions,\u201d explained Nkunku.<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned a lot at Chelsea. I want to be competitive and win trophies. I played at San Siro for France against Italy and it was a great atmosphere, so I can\u2019t wait to experience it from the other side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is good that I have four new teammates here that I already know<\/a>, as they can help me both on and off the field. I talked to Thiago Silva too, he told me Milan is the best club in Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n


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