Bondo: ‘Galliani wouldn’t let me go to any team, except for Milan’ | OneFootball

New Milan signing Warren Bondo has admitted that Monza CEO and former Rossoneri chief Adriano Galliani ‘wouldn’t let me go to just any team, except for Milan’ during the January transfer window, and has explained what he will bring to Sergio Conceicao’s squad following his deadline day move to San Siro.

Bondo officially joined the Rossoneri on the final day of the January transfer window, joining in a permanent deal from Monza following Ismael Bennacer’s move to Olympique de Marseille.

Bondo, along with fellow deadline day recruit Riccardo Sottil, sat down for their introductory press conferences on Wednesday.

Official: Milan sign Warren Bondo from Milan on deadline day (picture: @acmilan via X)

They were joined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who introduced them to the press for the first time: “We are here to present Bondo and Sottil. With both, we looked for players who played in Italy, who understand Italian football. Even if they are young, they have great experience in Italian football,” the Milan advisor said.

“With Bondo, we looked for someone who can cover space, who runs, who does the dirty work, one who is not always given credit for the type of work he does but it’s fundamental for the team. He can also play with the ball, he has room for improvement and can grow to be even better.”

Why Bondo decided to join Milan

Bondo revealed that former Monza coach Alessandro Nesta, and current CEO Galliani played key roles in his decision to move in January.

“It’s a great team. I was really happy when they called me on Monday, I was waiting for this,” the 21-year-old said. He continued: “Some great players have played here: Nesta, who I had as a coach, Ronaldinho, Pato, Ibrahimovic, Seedorf, who I like a lot.

“I want to thank Monza, Galliani was like a father to me. When Milan called me, they immediately let me go, so I thank him.

“The only goal I scored at Monza was against Milan. It was my destiny. I told my family that I only wanted Milan, even if there were other offers. And now I’m here.”

Bondo has no doubts about what he wants to achieve during his first months with the Rossoneri: “Win all the games: In the league, Coppa Italia, Champions League. Our goal is to go through in the Champions League and win a trophy.

He also explained why he decided to take the no.28 shirt at Milan: “I had it at Monza and it was free”.

Bondo also revealed that he has already been chatting with fellow Rossoneri midfielder Youssouf Fofana: “I spoke to him, it’s easier in French. I’ve come to help the team, let’s see how the coach wants us to play.”

And providing further details on his conversations with Galliani, Bondo added: “I hadn’t called after accepting Milan’s offer, so after signing I called him to thank him so much. He told me he wouldn’t let me go to just any team, except for Milan.

Bondo: ‘Nesta told me I’m a mix between Gattuso and Seedorf’

Warren Bondo of Monza during the Serie A match between Verona and Monza at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 21, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bondo also explained what to expect from him as a player at Milan.

Where does he like to play best?

“As a playmaker or Mezzalla, for me it’s simple. I played in both a two and a three at Monza.

And how did former Monza coach Nesta describe him as a player?

“He told me that I’m a mix between Gattuso and Seedorf. The six months I did with him were great, he did a lot for me. He told me that it’s a different way of life at Milan and I have to do well here.”