Charles De Ketelaere says it was the 'project' at AC Milan that made him choose the Italian giants over Leeds United. The Whites wanted to sign the striker from Club Brugge this summer, but the Belgian made it clear that his preference was to join AC Milan.
Leeds had an offer on the table for the 21-year-old for much of the summer, and it took some time for AC Milan to meet Brugge's demands for the player. A deal was eventually agreed, and he has joined the club on a five-year deal.
“The last few weeks have been difficult," De Ketelaere said during his unveiling at his new club. "You know what happened, I have always expressed my desire to my agents to go to Milan. I had to give something up, but the most important thing for me was to get here.”
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De Ketelaere also cited Milan legend Paolo Maldini as a big reason for joining the club. The former defender is now the technical director at the Serie A champions, and he played an integral role in attracting De Ketelaere to the club.
“For me it was an honour to have spoken with him. He is a legend of this club, but even now he has an important role. The Milan project was also fundamental in my choice, I was very attracted to the project."
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