Nkunku: ‘Why I struggled at Chelsea, AC Milan ambition and Leao hope ‘ after €37m move

Christopher Nkunku at a press conference (acmilan.com)

Christopher Nkunku explains what didn’t work for him at Chelsea, why he ‘didn’t think for a second’ before joining Milan, and hopes to combine forces with Rafael Leao.

The versatile forward made the move from Chelsea for €37m plus a further €5m in tough to achieve bonuses, and a percentage of the sell-on fee.

It was a surprisingly quick process, as he had not been one of their main transfer targets, having different characteristics to the type of striker they had been looking for.

Nkunku leapt at the chance to join Milan

“The first time I heard about Milan interest was when I spoke to the director of sport. I didn’t think about it too much, it was all perfect for me to come here,” assured Nkunku in his press conference.

There had been rumours before that linking him with a potential move to their rivals Inter, but he shrugged those reports off.

“I read that, but never spoke to anyone at Inter. When my agent told me about Milan’s interest, I didn’t have to think for a second.”

Milan explained they brought him in because the lack of pace in the attack was made evident during Rafael Leao’s injury, so does that mean they can play together?

“I do have similar characteristics to Rafa, he is a great player, but I think we can do well together. We all have to put our qualities at the disposal of the team. I can adapt to the coach and do what he asks.

“I like to play as a trequartista, then it depends on the system and how it is interpreted. The coach will decide, I can’t wait to start playing. I feel good, I’m training with the team and will be ready for the first game.”

The 27-year-old was a huge €60m investment by Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, but he never quite made it work at Stamford Bridge.

In two years, he made 62 competitive appearances, contributing 18 goals and five assists.

“I think it was all perfect when I arrived, but then I got hurt and was out for quite a few months. I was so eager to return and when I did, there was a new muscular problem. The second season I felt good, but the coach made other decisions,” explained Nkunku.

“I learned a lot at Chelsea. I want to be competitive and win trophies. I played at San Siro for France against Italy and it was a great atmosphere, so I can’t wait to experience it from the other side.

“It is good that I have four new teammates here that I already know, as they can help me both on and off the field. I talked to Thiago Silva too, he told me Milan is the best club in Italy.”