Sergino Dest reveals motivation behind loan to AC Milan

Sergino Dest completed his move to AC Milan on deadline day.

The player will join the Serie A Champions on loan from Barcelona through the 2022/23 season, with Milan holding the option to buy the player.

The US men’s national team figure welcomed the deal, as he hopes to secure minutes of the pitch ahead of the World Cup. 

“It was an easy decision to make. Everything happened really quickly, like in one day. I had to make a decision really quick to change my life – to go to another club, in another country, in another culture. I love this club and it’s a club I wanted to play for when I was younger and I think this is a nice step for me and a good chance to play again,” Dest told AC Milan’s official website.

“I need to get minutes for the World Cup. I need to play, not only for the World Cup, I just want to play always. They gave me a great opportunity so I didn’t even think twice. I was like, ‘I have to do it, I have to play.'”

Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey,Toby Cudworth and Harry Symeou bring you a live deadline day edition of Talking Transfers. The team welcome Daniel Childs and Julien Laurens to the show to discuss Chelsea's late window activity, Arsenal's pursuit of Douglas Luiz, Paris Saint-Germain's summer signings & much more! The show is also available on all audio platforms.

Prior to securing the move to Milan, the 21-year-old was linked with Manchester United to reunite with former manager at Ajax, Erik ten Hag, and La Liga’s Villarreal. 

Dest originally wanted to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona, but shifted his attention to a move away after failing to make the squad for the first three games of the season.

The player recorded three goals and five assists in 72 overall appearances for Barcelona before seeing a substantial decline in rhythm with the La Liga giants.