Benalouane: 'I'm going to Leicester'

By Football Italia staff

Yohan Benalouane reveals he “didn’t want to leave” Atalanta for Leicester City, but €8m was too much to turn down.

The 28-year-old Tunisian defender has already said goodbye to his teammates in Bergamo.

“I couldn’t say anything before the deal had been concluded, but I so wanted to. I will come back to see you often, as I love this city so much and really am leaving my heart here,” Benalouane told the Bergamo Post.

“I left the training camp in tears on Friday, because I really care for everyone. I send a huge embrace to all my teammates and fans.

“I didn’t want to leave Atalanta and would gladly have stayed, but an offer of €8m is a lot for a club like Atalanta.

“I love this side so much that I accepted and hope with all my heart that my departure will help the directors make my beloved Atalanta even stronger.

“I made this decision by thinking of what was best for Atalanta. One day I will return to Bergamo, be certain of it.”

The transfer fee was reportedly €7m, but Benalouane insists it stands at €8m including bonuses (around £5.6m).

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