The summer time switch window left loads of headlines throughout Europe, however few have been as dramatic because the story involving Santiago Gimenez at Milan. What started as routine hypothesis rapidly spiraled right into a tense standoff, culminating in a wild tirade from the striker’s father in opposition to sporting director Igli Tare. His feedback included an explosive eight-word declare that solely added extra intrigue to the saga.
Regardless of the whirlwind of rumors, Gimenez in the end remained at San Siro. Now, with the window closed and a brand new season starting, he faces each the problem of cementing his position in Massimiliano Allegri’s system and the chance to show himself after months of uncertainty.
For weeks, the 24-year-old Mexican star was linked with a doable swap to Roma. Experiences advised that the Rossoneri have been weighing a deal that will have seen Artem Dovbyk arrive at San Siro, with Gimenez going the opposite method. The transfer, nevertheless, by no means got here near materializing.
Calciomercato reported that whereas talks occurred, the provide was by no means really convincing, and Gimenez’s camp remained unconvinced till the final hours of the switch window. His agent even issued a public message confirming that the Mexican could be staying in Milan. Ultimately, the striker stayed put, and that consequence carried vital implications: for now, he’s Allegri’s solely pure centre-forward.
Gimenez’s father speaks out
Christian Gimenez, Santiago’s father and a former skilled participant himself, couldn’t include his frustration over how the saga unfolded. Chatting with Claro Sports activities, he admitted the ordeal took a private toll: “I used to be actually sick. It was a foul night time. I didn’t sleep; I used to be all the time updated with what was occurring and in fixed communication with the membership. After listening to the phrases of the Milan sporting director, it was troublesome.”
He went additional, expressing his disbelief at how Milan’s management managed the method. And right here, he made the explosive eight-word declare: “A sporting director doesn’t make such statements”. For Gimenez Senior, that degree of public openness solely added to the confusion surrounding his son’s future.
Apparently, one determine emerged as a chilled affect within the chaos: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now an advisor at Milan, Ibrahimovic reportedly performed a decisive position in making certain Gimenez remained on the membership. “On Monday morning, all events met: the president, the sporting director, and advisors like Ibrahimovic, who performed a key position, determined that Santi would keep,” Christian revealed. It was a reminder of Ibrahimovic’s rising affect behind the scenes, significantly as a determine who instructions respect from each gamers and administration.
Motivation for the season forward
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri was additionally central to the ultimate choice. Regardless of doubts over Gimenez’s position, Allegri in the end requested him to stay, understanding he was quick on true centre-forwards. Christian Gimenez acknowledged as a lot: “The transfer didn’t occur as a result of each the sporting director, the president, and the coach stated no. Santi began 12 video games, scored six targets, and supplied 4 assists, that are good numbers.”
The saga has left scars, but in addition motivation. At simply 24 years outdated, Gimenez is getting into an important part of his profession, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon in Mexico. His father believes the expertise will function gas.
“We’re completely satisfied that he’s nonetheless at Milan. The coach and the sporting director, newly arrived, doubted his skills. They are going to get to know him by coaching him and dealing with him. I believe all it will assist carry out the beast that’s inside him.”
