Jimenez explains why he opted to leave AC Milan for Bournemouth

Alex Jimenez’s move to AFC Bournemouth has become a permanent one, and he has spoken about his exit from AC Milan.

Milan made the decision in the summer window to let Jimenez leave to try a new experience in the Premier League. He headed to the south coast on a loan with option to buy deal that would become an obligation under certain conditions.

Over the weekend, as Jimenez played against Aston Villa, those conditions were met and his move will indeed become permanent. The fee received will be €19m plus €5m in bonuses for the Rossoneri, but half of that is owed to Real Madrid because of the resale clause.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo (via MilanPress), he spoke about his new adventure in the Premier League and also returned to the topic of leaving Milan in the summer window.

“I don’t think I would have gotten the minutes I wanted at Milan this season. The opportunity to come here arose, and I saw it as an opportunity,” he said.

“Premier League football is much more physical and faster-paced than in Italy, where the game is more tactical. Given my characteristics, I feel more comfortable here.

“Who do I look up to? I’ve always had Carvajal as a role model because I was in Madrid for many years. Also Alexander-Arnold, Davies, and Theo Hernandez, with whom I was lucky enough to play at Milan.”