De Ketelaere ‘sorry’ about first season as representing Milan was a ‘dream’

Charles De Ketelaere has been a very important player for Atalanta this season, having joined them on loan in the summer. Speaking to the media after the 2-0 win against Lecce, he admitted that he is ‘sorry’ about his season with AC Milan. 

De Ketelaere did indeed struggle during his first season in Italy, bagging zero goals in 40 appearances. As a result, Milan agreed to send him to Atalanta on an initial loan deal, with a buy-out option worth €23m. On our Substack, we have explained what this move means financially.

This season, however, the Belgian has been a big success as he has scored 14 goals and assisted an additional 9 for Atalanta. Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, the Milan loanee admitted that he is ‘sorry’ about his season with the Rossoneri.

Are you sorry to leave Milan?

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do what I have done here at Atalanta, I’ve always had the dream of playing for Milan, but I always look ahead. We had a good season at Atalanta and on Wednesday we can improve it.”

Pioli is leaving Milan…

“It’s not for me to say, it’s not just a question of Pioli. I’ve grown a lot here, an extra year in Italy helped me.”

It’s been confirmed that Atalanta will exercise the buy-out clause and this means that De Ketelaere will leave Milan this summer.