Franck Kessie is the name on everyone’s lips after starring in the Europa League clash between AC Milan and Manchester United last week.
The Ivory Coast midfielder had a magnificent goal on the half volley that was harshly disallowed for handball in the first half of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
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Kessie was one of the best players on the field when AC Milan drew with Man United last week.
Kessie’s AC Milan host United in the second leg of the round of 16 clash in what appears to be a highly successful showdown on Thursday LIVE on talkSPORT.
And it’s a game that could mean more to Kessie, as he previously admitted that it is his ‘dream’ to play for Manchester United.
In 2017, he said: “I like the Premier League and in particular Manchester United. A team in which I dream of playing.
“Chelsea? Even that is a great club. Nobody would reject it, but I dream of United. “
Below talkSPORT.com provides you with information about Kessie.
Franck Kessie in Serie A – 2020/21
Age: 24 Club: AC Milan Nationality: Ivory Coast Series A Matches: 26 Matches: 25 Goals: 9 Assists: 2 Shots per match: 1.2 Passes per match: 50.1 Key passes per match: 0.7 Total dribble per game: 1.2 Aerial duels won per game: 1.3 Shots blocked per game: 0.4 Tackles won per game: 1.3 Clearances per game: 1.3 Fouls committed per game: 1.8 What is rumored?
In December, West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal were reportedly fighting to sign Kessie, who is valued at around £ 42 million.
However, AC Milan is not prepared to let go of their star man with the club bosses who plan to tie him to a new deal until 2026.
Kessie, whose contract expires next year, has become an integral part of Stefano Pioli’s team, scoring 10 goals in all competitions this season.
They have only missed one of AC Milan’s 27 Serie A games as they are 10 points behind leaders Inter.
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Kessie will be looking to eliminate Manchester United from the Europa League this week. So far the club’s career?
Kessie began his career with the Ivorian minnows Stella Club, before being selected by Atalanta from Serie A in 2015.
He was immediately loaned out to Cesena from Serie B for the 2015/16 season, where he scored four goals in 38 games to help them finish in sixth place.
After getting their shot at Atalanta the following season, and impressing, AC Milan agreed to sign Kessie to a two-year loan deal with a £ 22 million purchase obligation in 2017.
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Kessie played just one season at Atalanta before joining AC Milan in 2017
Kessie was involved in a controversial moment with his former AC Milan teammate Tiemoue Bakayoko in April 2019.
Both players apologized for lifting Lazio star Francesco Acerbi’s shirt as a trophy following the 1-0 victory at San Siro.
In a pre-match interview, Acerbi had boasted that there was “no comparison” between the Lazio and Milan players, a comment that clearly stuck with Kessie.
Now, Kessie is one of the first names on the Milan team sheet and has become a penalty specialist with nine of his 10 Serie A goals from the penalty spot this season.
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Kessie and Bakayoko caused controversy by taunting Acerbi after a game in 2019 International experience?
Kessie has won 44 appearances for the Ivory Coast since making his debut in 2014.
He has appeared in two African Cup of Nations tournaments and has described soccer legend Yaya Touré as his “idol.”
Kessie finished the 2019 tournament with the highest combined number of assists (3), despite the Ivory Coast being eliminated by eventual winners Algeria in the quarterfinals.
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Kessie is one of the most capped players in the current Ivory Coast squad. What is said about him?
Last year, Kessie’s agent insisted that his client’s future lay in Milan.
He said: “I remember it was a gamble to join Milan. We signed for them because it is a club that has always meant a lot to us.
“Now there is a project in development and that is why I believe that its future may be in red and black.
“We are in one of the biggest clubs in the world, which is certainly not going through its best moment, but which it intends to revive.”
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Kessie is primarily a defensive midfielder, but has the ability to move forward and join attacks.
After some initial problems, Kessie has become a key figure under Stefano Pioli at San Siro.
His boss told Goal: “There was a problem at the beginning, then we understood each other and now it is indispensable for my Milan. Even in difficult moments of the game, he is always positive and his teammates recognize him ”.
And after a victory over Torino, he added: “Franck is a complete player, he gives us physique, energy, quality, protects the defense and weaves the movements in the future as well.
“He has this eternally positive mentality in the game situation, he is the first to help or reassure a teammate. This is a young side that needs guidance and encouragement, so Kessie is invaluable in that regard.
Kessie’s teammates also nicknamed him ‘The President’ after he accidentally parked his car in the place of Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis.
He said: “I once parked my car at the Gazidis place in Milanello [AC Milan’s training ground].
“They told me I couldn’t do it and I said, ‘What’s the problem? I am the new CEO of Milan. ‘
“I like jokes, of course I know I’m not the president.”
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Maldini is without a doubt one of the best defenders of all time, and he loves Kessie too.
However, an AC Milan legend is one of those who is delighted to use the nickname and has compared his character to that of one of his teammates.
Paolo Maldini told Sky Sports before the first leg of his tie with Manchester United: “Franck’s growth is exponential, not only at the sporting level, but also in terms of pushing the boys forward.
“He is a player who helps his team on and off the pitch and, unsurprisingly, he is called ‘The President.’ Above all, Kessié is someone who leads in the dressing room alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic ”.
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