I wasn’t given time at Milan – Chukwueze

Chukwueze. Photo: Fulham

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On-loan AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that a lack of game time and continuity hampered his progress in Serie A before his move to Fulham, where he has since rediscovered his form, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chukwueze joined Fulham on a season-long loan from AC Milan in the summer, with the Premier League side holding an option to buy. According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the total package could rise to over €25m.

The move followed a difficult two-season spell at Milan after the Nigerian international joined the Rossoneri from Spanish side Villarreal in the 2023 summer transfer window for a fee of €20m. Chukwueze endured a mixed 2024/25 campaign in Italy, making 26 Serie A appearances but starting only nine matches, accumulating 918 minutes while recording three goals and two assists.

Those numbers were a sharp contrast to his time in Spain, where he was a regular starter during five productive seasons with Villarreal. At Fulham, he also has two goals and four assists in nine matches with five of those goal contributions coming in his last five matches before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 26-year-old is currently on international duty with Nigeria at the AFCON in Morocco and has opened up about his experience at Milan, his resurgence in the Premier League, and the possibility of returning to Italy in the future.

“I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed,” Chukwueze said.

“But that’s football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics.”

Despite now representing Fulham, Chukwueze stressed that his ties with AC Milan remain intact.

“I miss Milan,” he admitted.

“It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best. I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”

The Nigerian winger also spoke positively about Milan’s title push this season, backing his former club to remain strong contenders.

“You can see what Milan are doing; they’re playing very well,” he said.

“If they keep pushing like this, I think they can win. I’m sure they’ll finish in the top four because their level has been really high.”

At the ongoing AFCON, Chukwueze was among Nigeria’s standout performers in their opening win against Tanzania, playing 59 minutes in the victory.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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