Alessio Romagnoli - 'I'm glad that Milan rejected Chelsea'

It was reported the Premier League club was ready to bid €50m for the Italy Under-21 international defender but Milan released a statement on their website confirmed that they had rejected a bid from the Blues.

In the end Conte's side re-signed David Luiz from PSG on transfer deadline day, after also failing with a move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

“The fact there was an offer was pleasing, but I am even more gratified by the fact Milan said no,” Romagnoli told reporters at a sponsorship event.

“This pushes me on to grow even more and improve myself. I am happy to have remained. President Silvio Berlusconi made a big investment for me and that’s enormously pleasing.

“Milan are certainly behind Juventus right now, but I don’t think we are missing anything in particular. We just need to work together and grow as a unit.

“The new Coach always tells us to control the ball, so it’s up to us in defence to start the move and I have to say I don’t mind that.”

Romagnoli was originally called up by Giampiero Ventura for the senior Italy squad, but was recalled for a decisive Under-21 qualifier.

“I am proud to have been called up to the Nazionale, but it’s just a starting point for me. Having this many Milan players on international duty means we are doing well, so we just hope to get better results than in previous years.”

Read the original article on Football Italia - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Italian football