Sergiño Dest has said joining AC Milan from Barcelona was an easy decision as he looks for more playing time ahead of the World Cup.
Dest completed a year-long loan move on deadline day, with the Italian champions holding an option to purchase the fullback.
The loan came amid Barcelona boss Xavi’s decision to freeze Dest out of his team, with the USMNT defender not even making the matchday squad for two of the club’s three games this season.
After making the move to Serie A, Dest admitted that he needed to find a place where he’d see the field as he eyes a starting spot for the USMNT in Qatar.
“It was an easy decision to make,” Dest told AC Milan’s official website, “Everything happened really quickly, like in one day. I had to make a decision really quick to change my life – to go to another club, in another country, in another culture. I love this club and it’s a club I wanted to play for when I was younger and I think this is a nice step for me and a good chance to play again.”
Dest added: “I need to get minutes for the World Cup. I need to play, not only for the World Cup, I just want to play always. They gave me a great opportunity so I didn’t even think twice. I was like, ‘I have to do it, I have to play.'”