Father Of AC Milan Star Slams AC Milan Director But Praises ‘Pivotal’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic Following Summer Transfer Saga

The father of Santiago Gimenez has slammed AC Milan Sporting Director, Igli Tare, following the summer transfer window but heaped praise on Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his role in keeping the Mexican at the Rossoneri.

Did Santiago Gimenez Almost Leave AC Milan?

Santiago Gimenez appeared to be on his way out of Milan during the summer transfer window, despite signing for the club just eight-months ago in January.

After weeks of rumors over the Mexican’s future at the San Siro, Gimenez appeared to be on his way to Roma after a swap-deal was said to be agreed – with Artem Dovbyk heading the other way.

According to reports, the negotiations between Roma and Milan were fairly stop-star, as Massimiliano Allegri does not see Gimenez as his leading talisman.

The deal failed to materialize, even though AC Milan’s Sporting Director, Igli Tare, revealed that Milan were definitely considering the idea of a swap deal.

Milan’s deadline day was full of surprises, with Thiago Silva being linked with a sensational return to the San Siro and Gimenez’s future going down to the final stages.

One man that was not impressed with the way things went was Santiago Gimenez’s father, Christian, who claimed he was really ‘sick’ during the process and praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his role in keeping the Mexican at the San Siro.

Santiago Gimenez’s father said (Via Fox Sports Mexico): “The truth is, it was all very confusing. It’s very rare for a sporting director to make those statements. Santi’s agent has always been in contact with the club. The club had the opportunity to make that swap, but Santi was never consulted on the situation.

“There were rumors, but the reality is that Gimenez is a Milan player, he has a contract, and on Monday morning, all parties met: the president, the sporting director, and advisors like Ibrahimovic, who played a key role, decided that Santi would stay. They insisted on that exchange, but it was never confirmed.”

“I was really sick. It was a bad night. I didn’t sleep, I was always up to date with what was happening and in constant communication with the club. After hearing the words of the Milan sporting director, it was difficult.”

Could Santiago Gimenez Leave AC Milan In January?

The Mexican international joined the club in January of this year with heaps of expectation after scoring 65 goals in 105 appearances for Feyenoord.

However, his time in Milan has not brought the expected outcome so far, scoring six goals in 22 appearances and failing to find the target in two Serie A starts for the Rossoneri this season.

At 24-years-old, Gimenez is still maturing in the sport and will be looking to make some immediate improvements as the Mexican is a life-long AC Milan supporter.

Many would have expected the striker to be a Serie A Golden Boot contender this season, however, Massimiliano Allegri is not sold on his leading man.

The Rossoneri were close to bringing Artem Dovbyk to the San Siro to replace Gimenez and Milan were also looking into other possible alternatives before the deadline.

Having such a clear lack of faith in your number nine does not tend to bode well and the Mexican international may be made available once again in January.

The 24-year-old attracted interest from clubs around Europe and Saudi Arabia, which could be re-ignited when the winter transfer window begins.