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Sergiño Dest has revealed what went wrong in his eyes with AC Milan, describing it as the right club but not the right moment for his career.
Dest joined Milan on a season-long loan from Barcelona but he never really hit the ground running, struggling for regular starts and failing to impress when he did get the opportunity to play under Stefano Pioli.
Now, at PSV Eindhoven, he is a man reborn. The full-back has two goals and three assists in eight games this season and has become a Champions League regular, while Milan sit and watch the competition from home this year.
Dest did an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he spoke about his past at Milan and why his loan perhaps didn’t work out for any of the parties involved.
What is your new life like?
“I have three simple dreams: to win the league again with PSV for the third time in a row, to have a good World Cup in 2026, and to return to another big international club, perhaps an Italian one.”
Maybe Milan?
“It could be, Milan is a fantastic city, I hope to return one day.”
What went wrong at Milan?
“Wrong place, wrong time. The timing was unfortunate. I wasn’t in top form, to be honest, especially because I was coming from a complicated situation in Barcelona. I remember great faith from Maldini and Massara from the first day I arrived.
“There wasn’t a great connection with Pioli: Calabria was the captain and played in the same position as me, so it wasn’t easy for Pioli to manage the situation either. Milan remain an incredible club, however.”
Explain this lack of chemistry with Pioli…
“Our relationship has always been good. By chemistry, I mean I would have hoped to play more honestly. I want to say that I’ve never had any problems with him, he’s a good person. He’s made his choices, and I respect them.”
How did the negotiations with Milan come about?
“It was September 1, 2022, the last day of the transfer market. Barcelona wanted to loan me. I was 21 and looking for a top-tier club. The negotiations with Milan were a breeze. I thank Maldini and Massara for their trust.”
Fourteen games, three as a starter and a few physical problems: any regrets?
“No regrets. I had a lot of fun at Milan despite everything, and I learned a great lesson from men like Maldini, Massara, Leao, and Ibrahimovic: you must never give up. Even being out for so long made me mentally stronger. And even better…”
In what areas?
“In the kitchen. The Italian food is delicious. I also appreciated your culture.”
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