Warren Bondo has revealed that Adriano Galliani played a big part in letting him leave Monza mid-season to secure a dream move to AC Milan.
It has been a long distance courtship from Milan when it comes to Bondo, given that the first strong links emerged back in 2021 when he was emerging as a talented teenager in the French second division.
The Frenchman opted to make the switch to Monza and the Rossoneri kept an eye on his development, before Ismael Bennacer’s request to be sold on deadline day saw them make a concrete move.
In the end they were able to get Bondo through the door quickly, signing him on a permanent deal for a fee widely reported to be around €10m plus bonuses, and on a contract until 2029.
In the end they were able to get Bondo through the door quickly, signing him on a permanent deal for a fee widely reported to be around €10m plus bonuses, and on a contract until 2029.
Bondo spoke at a press conference at Milanello on Thursday afternoon alongside Riccardo Sottil and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to share his emotions after completing the switch, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
How much did you want to join Milan?
“It’s a great team. When they called me on Monday, I was happy, I was just waiting for this. Great players have played here… Nesta, who I had as a coach, Ronaldinho, Pato, Ibrahimovic, Seedorf, who I like a lot.
“I want to thank Monza, Galliani was like a father to me; when Milan called me, he immediately let me go. I thank him.”
Your one goal in Serie A is against Milan…
“The only goal I scored at Monza was against Milan. It was my destiny. I told my family that I only wanted Milan, even if there were other offers. And now I’m here.”
What are your expectations now you are here?
“Win all the games: league, Coppa Italia, Champions League. Our goal is to get into the Champions League and win a trophy.”
Why the number 38?
“I had it at Monza and he was free.”
Did Youssouf Fofana talk to you about Milan?
“I spoke to him, in French it’s easier. I’m coming to help the team. Let’s see how the coach will make me play.”
What did Galliani tell you?
“I hadn’t called yet after accepting Milan’s offer. So, after signing, I called him to thank him so much. He told me he wouldn’t let me go to any team, except Milan.”
What role do you feel best in?
“Playmaker or mezzala for me it’s easy, I did it in Monza both in a two and a three [man midfield]. I’m ready.”
How are you physically?
“I got injured two weeks ago, but I’m fine: I’m running, I’m already working with the ball, we’ll see with the doctor for next week, maybe I can be back against Verona.”
How important is it to have Walker in the locker room?
“Very, but also Maignan, Fofana… I’m here to learn from everyone.”
Have you spoken to Nesta?
“He told me that I am a mix between Gattuso and Seedorf. The six months I spent with him were excellent, he did a lot for me. He told me that at Milan it is real football and that I have to do well here.”
