Criscito: Agent talking with Milan

By Football Italia staff

Domenico Criscito has welcomed links to Milan and confirmed that his agent is in contact with the Rossoneri.

The Italy-capped left-back has been suggested recently as a transfer target this summer for the San Siro side, even if an outright cash deal with Zenit St Petersburg is seen as unlikely.

For the player himself, the prospect of a return to Italy and to join Milan is one he is open to.

“When my name is linked with big teams I enjoy it,” Criscito has told Antenna 3 programme Azzurro Italia.

“My agent has spoken with Milan and is working on this deal. Now I am at Zenit and I am training well and I’m in a good club, but if there is something then my agent calls me.

“Milan remains one of the biggest clubs in the world, whilst with Inzaghi leading the team they will have more grit, just as he had when he was a player.

“I would return to Italy only for a great club. I am fine in Russia and my family is settled, every year I play in the Champions League, but I do miss Italy and I want to return, even if I would lower my salary. We shall see.

“I have been very close to Milan before, in my last year at Genoa, and then in talking to [President Enrico] Preziosi I stayed in Liguria.

“The Rossoneri have flattered me for some time and this can only make me happy, now there is contact but I do not know at what point the negotiations are.”

Criscito is currently working under Andre Villas-Boas in Russia, after Luciano Spalletti’s removal as Coach earlier this year. His form under the latter proved not enough for a place in Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad for the World Cup.

“Without Spalletti not much as changed, Villas-Boas has done a great job to motivate the entire team.

“The World Cup? I followed it little as a personal choice, I have enjoyed vacation time with my family.

“I’m sorry for what happened, I know Prandelli and I know how much he worked to prepare for it.

“I have good relations with everyone, even the former Coach - it is logical that I’m still a bit upset for the exclusion and the other words that followed, but since we have had an explanation and it all ends there.

“I want to return to the national team, it is the maximum for any player.”

Speculation is that Antonio Conte could be in line for the post, following his exit from Juventus.

“He has proven to be great, winning practically everything at Juventus and now his absence will be seen in the Bianconeri. He never gave up.

“My injuries of late? I had some problems in the past but now I am fine, I train without skipping a workout, I hope to continue like this.”

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