Sergiño Dest has expressed his desire to stay at AC Milan beyond his one-year loan deal with the Italian champions.
Dest completed a loan move from Barcelona on deadline day, with Milan holding an option to purchase the fullback at the end of the season for a reported €20 million.
The U.S. international has made a pair of Champions League appearances off the bench for Milan, and is still waiting to make his Serie A debut. On Friday, he was presented to the media and spoke of his desire to convince Milan to activate the purchase option on his deal.
“I will give 100 percent and show that at the end of the season Milan should decide to keep me. The only thing I can do now is to give my best,” Dest said.
“I think I’m a versatile defender, who can play left and right. I think my best position is as a fullback, but with attacking characteristics. Then the manager will decide.”
Dest added that he feels his style is well suited to how Milan coach Stefano Pioli wants to play.
“Pioli’s game is very good, he can allow me to develop my game in the best possible way,” Dest said. “This season can be an opportunity for me to help the team, developing both my attacking and defensive characteristics.”
Given how Xavi froze him out at Barcelona, Dest’s best bet moving forward may be to convince Milan by the end of the season that he’s worth €20m.
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