Clarence Seedorf urges Franck Kessie to decide his future on sporting merit and not money, amid reports Antonio Conte wants Tottenham to eye a transfer for the AC Milan midfielder.
The Rossoneri hero was speaking on Amazon Prime, via Calciomercato, before the San Siro outfit’s Champions League tie with Porto. Kessie played the last 22-minutes of the 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, as Stefano Pioli’s side secured their first point.
Pioli had started Kessie in two of AC Milan’s prior group stage ties, but was without the 24-year-old at Porto last month due to suspension. The Ivorian has opened seven of his eight Serie A appearances, in which he has provided two goals so far.
But despite his important role in the AC Milan engine room, Kessie’s future is in doubt amid interest from Tottenham. The 48-cap international is out of contract next year and rejected a £110k-a-week deal to renew, per Gazzetta dello Sport. Instead holding out for £130k-a/w.
Tottenham are very attentive to Kessie’s situation and Gazzetta dello Sport also report are in advanced talks for the AC Milan enforcer. Ideal for Conte, who Sportmediaset claim the new Spurs manager wants in north London after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
AC Milan hero Seedorf issues verdict on Kessie, amid Tottenham transfer interest
Seedorf has issued an honest verdict on Kessie’s uncertain future, amid Tottenham and Conte’s interest in the AC Milan midfielder. Urging the Olympic quarter-finalist to decide whether to stay or leave on the project and not the money on offer.
“Many underestimate where they are for a few million more or less,” Seedorf said. “You have to make the choice linked to your career; the money will come over time. You have to think about it many times before leaving Milan.
“I see Milan growing, I am very happy to see a point of reference like [Technical Director Paolo] Maldini to help everyone grow with the right mentality. I hope Kessie realises where he is and that he decides on the basis of career and not money.”
Kessie joined Milan from Atalanta for €28m (£24m) in 2017 on a five-year, €2.5m-a-season (£41k-a/w) contract. He has gone on to make 195 appearances for the Rossoneri across all competitions, and helped to claim second-place Serie A finishes in the last two seasons.
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