MILAN: AC Milan signed dribbling expert Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea on Saturday for a reported fee of 37 million euros ($43 million).
The French player signed a five-year contract, Milan announced without providing financial details.
The 27-year-old Nkunku came up through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system before moving to Leipzig in 2019. He spent the last two seasons at Chelsea and his extra-time goal sparked the Blues to a win over Benfica in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup – which Chelsea went on to win – in July. He scored 18 goals in 62 matches for Chelsea.
Known for his 1-on-1 abilities and speed with the ball, Nkunku will be counted on to add pace to Milan’s attack. He can play both as an attacking midfielder and as a forward. He has made 14 appearances for France.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said in August that Nkunku would no longer be part of the squad – after joining on a six-year deal in 2023 that was worth 52 million pounds (nearly $70 million).
“Christo is a fantastic professional,” Maresca said Friday. “The only problem with him is that in his position we have Cole Palmer, so it was tough to find minutes for him.”
Milan bounced back from a loss at the San Siro to promoted Cremonese in its Serie A opener with a 2-0 win at Lecce on Friday.
AC Milan signs speedy Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea
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AC Milan signs speedy Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea
- The French player signed a five-year contract, Milan announced without providing financial details
- The 27-year-old Nkunku came up through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system
Ex-Man United star Lingard scores on tearful farewell to South Korea
- Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard signed off with a goal in his final game for FC Seoul before bidding a tearful farewell to South Korean football after two seasons
SEOUL: Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard signed off with a goal in his final game for FC Seoul before bidding a tearful farewell to South Korean football after two seasons.
The 32-year-old former England international scored the opener in Seoul’s 1-1 draw at home to Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night, having announced days before it would be his last appearance for the club.
Lingard, who made 60 appearances for FC Seoul, broke down in tears after the match as he watched a video on the big screen which paid tribute to “Our beloved captain.”
“Your name and legacy will always be remembered in the history of our club,” it said. “Seoul will always be your home. Thank you, our captain.”
Lingard, who joined the club in February last year, addressed and applauded the home fans before hugging his team-mates during a lap of honor.
He said on the eve of the game that he had spent “a happy two years” in South Korea.
“I’ve learned a lot, I’ve become more mature, I’ve had a lot of responsibility this year being captain,” said the attacking midfielder, who played 32 times for England, including in the 2018 World Cup semifinal.
“I can leave South Korea more mature, I believe.”
Lingard coolly slotted home in the 31st minute to put Seoul in front and celebrated with a Michael Jackson-style moonwalk.
Melbourne equalized midway through the second half.
