Ex Atalanta & Juventus Defender Reveals: ‘I Was Close To Joining Inter Milan & AC Milan’ | OneFootball

Former Atalanta defender Merih Demiral has revealed that he was close to joining Inter Milan and AC Milan from La Dea.

The Turkish international recalled that he nearly transferred to one of the two clubs speaking to Gianlucadimarzio.com.

Merih Demiral spent a few years playing in Serie A.

The Turk played for Sassuolo, where his performances earned him a move to Juventus.

Demiral never quite nailed down a starting spot for himself at the Bianconeri, however. Therefore, he ended up heading to Atalanta.

And it was in Bergamo that Demiral really became a top-rated defender in Serie A.

Demiral thrived playing in the centre of a back three under Gian Piero Gasperini. His physicality allowed him to defend large spaces and patrol the penalty area.

Merih Demiral Reveals: “I Was Close To Joining Inter Milan & AC Milan”

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – APRIL 07: Merih Demiral of Atalanta applauds fans after the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg One match between RB Leipzig and Atalanta at Football Arena Leipzig on April 07, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

But behind the scenes, Merih Demiral fell out with Atalanta coach Gasperini.

Therefore, the Turk left to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023. He was one of a number of big names from Europe, and Serie A in particular, to head to Saudi Arabia.

However, there was no lack of interest in Demiral’s interest in Europe.

And in particular in Serie A, there were clubs who wanted to sign Demiral on the basis of his form for Atalanta.

Demiral revealed that “I was close to Milan, and also to Inter.”

“But nothing came of it. Because Atalanta preferred not to sell me.”

Meanwhile, Demiral wasn’t ruling out a return to Serie A. “Let’s see what happens,” said the 27-year-old. “In football you never know what will happen.”

Demiral said that “I learned a lot” playing in Serie A.

“It was very important for my career.”

“I still follow the league,” Demiral said. “Particularly because my compatriots Calhanoglu and Yildiz are playing there.”