After Gennaro Gattuso left striker Gonzalo Higuain out of his squad for Monday’s clash with Genoa as he closes in on a move to Chelsea, the AC Milan coach claimed that he has made peace with the player’s decision to depart.
The Argentine arrived from Juventus on loan during the summer after space in Turin became limited following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, things have not gone to plan for him at the San Siro and he is now set to cut his spell at Milan short to reunite with his former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
“There is still nothing done or finalised but Sunday’s training session was one of the worst since I have been here,” he revealed to press.
“The team is worried and anxious and the training was not the best. I spoke in my office with Higuain and it is right to leave him out.
“We are still waiting on the move and there’s nothing completed but I want to see people who are mentally ready and available and if I don’t get that, I’ll go into battle with those who are more prepared.”
For Higuain’s move to London to be finalised, the Blues must strike a deal with Juventus for a six-month loan deal, with the option to keep him until 2020.
“Higuain wasn’t ready to travel with us at this time and we lost an important player who had some difficulties,” Gattuso acknowledged.
“If he does leave, I’m not disappointed. I was a player and I know what happens when you sometimes have people pressing all around you.
“He’s behaved very well with me. It is okay. I accept his decision and retain my respect for him.”
If the departure of El Pipita does go through, the Rossoneri are expected to replace him with Genoa’s Krzystof Piatek, according to the Italian media.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com