Ilicic explains how he could have played for Milan: “Better to stay in Bergamo”

Josip Ilicic is one of the most recognisable Serie A players of the 2010s, and he could have played for AC Milan at one point.

Some players grow outside of leagues, and Ilicic was one player who was appreciated across Europe. Playing at the heart of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta team, he was phenomenal, and many adore him for his time in Italy.

Ilicic at Milan?

His time in Italy spanned 10 years, after he joined Palermo in the 2010/11 season. Following another two seasons there, he moved to Fiorentina, but he never quite reached the same heights, with his time in Florence not being remembered fondly.

Then, he moved to Atalanta, and the rest, as they say, is history. 339 games in Serie A, 96 goals and 66 assists, a fantastic record. However, he could have also played for Milan at some point, with interest high.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, he revealed that there were several moves he could have made, via Calciomercato.com.

“Many approached me: with Napoli it was a done deal, Percassi blocked everything, then also Milan and Bologna, with Sinisa. But it was better to stay in Bergamo than in one of the many elsewhere.

“In 2022, Sevilla knocked, but I couldn’t take it anymore and returned to Maribor. In 2023, when the Bergamo fans came to visit me, I was moved.”