If this is how they treat their friends, then we dread to think how they treat their enemies.
Then again, Frank Kessie probably should have seen this coming.
Especially when you consider that a rather sizeable section of the AC Milan supporters were unwilling to give Gianluigi Donnarumma the benefit of the doubt, turning on their homegrown shot-stopper following a series of drawn-out contract disputes.
“Those who love Milan prove it with facts, best regards to those who are dissatisfied,” read a banner hung from the San Siro stands during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria, a result which saw Stefano Pioli’s side leapfrog city rivals Inter into top spot (Express).
The implication was clear. Actions speak louder than words. If Kessie really ‘loves Milan’, then he will prove it by putting pen to paper on a new, long-term deal.
And if there were any lingering doubts as to whom that banner was aimed at, then the boos that rained down from the terraces – as they did in the 4-0 midweek victory over Lazio – told their own story.
“I heard the boos,” sighs Pioli. “And I don’t think it’s the right thing because we need everyone (on our side).”
Is Franck Kessie heading to the Premier League?
Relations may be strained but they are not at breaking point just yet. As Donnarumma will tell you – or ‘Dollarumma’, to use a rather cruel nickname given to the PSG shot-stopper by those who accused him of chasing the cash all the way to Paris – a smattering of jeers may be the tip of a rather unpleasant iceberg.
According to Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have made a ‘very powerful offer’ for Kessie, a long-term target of Fabio Paratici. Liverpool are keen too, seeing the Ivory Coast international as someone to inject some energy into an ageing engine room.
Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all over the age of 30. Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, will turn 29 before the end of this year.
It not certain whether Spurs or Liverpool are willing to meet Kessie’s rumoured £8.5 million-a-year wage demands (£160,000-a-week). But AC Milan definitely won’t. After months of negotiations, the Rossoneri are still refusing to budge from their current offer of £5 million-a-year (£80,000-a-week, Milan Live).
As far as gaps go, this is one not easily bridged.
And even if Kessie drives Milan to their first Serie A title in a decade, he shouldn’t expect to be serenaded out of town.
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