“I want to stay”: Franck Kessie pledges future to AC Milan amid Liverpool, Tottenham interest

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow in pursuit of Franck Kessie, who wishes to continue at current club AC Milan.

Speaking in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Goal.com, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie has iterated his desire to continue at San Siro amid speculations surrounding his future in Italy.

Kessie, 24, has been with Milan since 2017, having arrived on loan from Atalanta. The midfielder’s transfer was made permanent two years later in 2019, from which point on, he has developed into one of the most consistent performers in Serie A.

Kessie enjoyed another fine season in 2020/21, as he played a key role in Milan, finishing second in the league table to return to the UEFA Champions League. However, the midfielder’s future had been cast into doubts in recent weeks as he entered the final year of his contract with the Italian giants and was unable to agree terms on a new deal.

This led to interest in Kessie from across Europe, with Premier League clubs seemingly at the forefront of it. Indeed, Liverpool were said to be readying a contract offer for the Ivory Coast international while Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in a move for the ex-Atalanta midfielder.

However, Kessie has poured cold water on any hopes that Liverpool and Tottenham had over signing him. The 24-year-old has insisted that he does not want to leave Milan and will sort his contract situation as soon as he returns from the Tokyo Olympics.

 “I’m proud to have chose Milan and it is not my intention to leave. Indeed, I want to stay forever. He also addressed rumours regarding his future by suggesting that sorting out a new contract is high on his agenda once he returns from the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“When I come back from the Olympics, I’ll fix everything. I just want Milan. Sporting director Paolo Maldini knows my thoughts. I want to be the ‘President’ of Milan for life,” Kessie said.

That could very well be the end of the road with regard to Liverpool and Tottenham’s interest in Kessie. Both the clubs are in need of midfield reinforcements, with the former looking to replace Georginio Wijnaldum while the latter look to freshen things up and cut unwanted players like Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks. However, neither team will be able to get their hands on Kessie this summer.