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AC Milan profited from another club’s loss this summer. When Marseille listed Adrien Rabiot for sale, the Rossoneri moved quickly.
There was interest in Rabiot throughout the summer, but a move only occurred towards the end of the window. In fact, the deal was confirmed on deadline day, after a medical took place in France, due to international commitments.
Massimiliano Allegri had requested the Frenchman since arriving, but things only opened after an incident with Jonathan Rowe in the Marseille dressing room. After that point, there was no way back for either.
Marseille’s loss
Rabiot’s first game in Rossoneri, or the third kit, was fantastic, and Allegri’s persistence has paid off. Alongside Luka Modric, the midfielder looked superb, almost like a missing piece as the Diavolo won 1-0 against a bogey team from last year.
Whilst Milan smile, though, Marseille are left regretting the situation, and the club’s sporting director spoke on the matter today to Le Monde, via MilanNews.
“We had an emotionally complicated August with departures, arrivals, two defeats, and Rabiot’s departure. We did what we wanted with youth, quality, and experience within our financial parameters. We’re happy, the enthusiasm has returned, and the atmosphere within the group has changed.”
Rabiot’s move to Milan…
“I’m very close to Adrien, I love him. I’ve always said it before, during, and after the incident. Unfortunately, however, that incident happened, and in my opinion, we went too far, escalating with the involvement of his family…
“It’s a shame, because he’s a wonderful person and a great professional. We would have preferred the situation to have been resolved differently. On a human level, I’m sorry I won’t see him anymore when I get to the pitch, but I wish him the best.
“I had only one wish: to close this chapter as quickly as possible. So either Adrien did what was necessary for his reintegration, or we would facilitate his departure. I spoke to him for an hour before he left for the national team.
“I sensed his affection for OM, but at the same time, he felt he had done everything possible to pick up the pieces. And so we considered his departure. At the end of July, he could have left for a minimal fee, considering he had arrived for free and had accepted a low salary for his talent.
“In the end, the transfer came later for a higher but still reasonable fee. It was a way to show our gratitude.
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