Cisse: 'Everything was almost done with PSV, then Milan came in'
Quick summary
Cisse reveals his transfer to Milan was a last-minute decision, having been close to joining PSV before the Rossoneri entered the picture.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAlphadjo Cisse has revealed he came close to joining PSV in January before Milan intervened, and says Ruben Amorim’s faith in young players convinced him to stay.
According to MilanNews.it , who spoke to the forward at a supporters’ event at the club store on Via Dante, Cisse was reflecting on his goal in Monday’s 2-1 win at Torino .
“In reality my relationship with the coach is very positive, he’s had faith in me and in all the other young players, so for me it’s simple to express myself at my best,” Cisse said. “In January almost everything was done with PSV, then Milan came in and I immediately changed my mind. It was easy to choose this club.”
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Alphadjo Cisse of AC Milan scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on August 23, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Cisse turned down a loan move to stay at Milan A temporary exit had also been on the table. “There was the possibility of playing on loan, but the coach always gave me the chance to express myself on the pitch and I managed to take it,” he said. “Staying here is a great emotion, Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
The forward was keen to correct a detail that has followed him around. “My surname? It’s said and written Cisse, without the accent.”
He was similarly matter-of-fact about his shirt number. “I chose 70 because 80 was taken.”
Cisse credited his time at Catanzaro, and one figure in particular. “Director Ciro was fundamental for me at Catanzaro, he’s a great person and a great man,” he said. “What he gave me was a great extra support for me.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Alphadjo Cisse of AC Milan in action during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Asked about Ambrosini comparing him to Robinho, he laughed it off. “I can’t tell you, I haven’t seen him play much, but if he says so then fine.”
Competition for a place holds no fear. “Right now no, zero fear, I think competition is good for everyone,” he said. “If Chris has to play in my place there’ll be respect. The ambition is to learn as much as possible from everyone.”
He was also honest about his physical condition. “I’m not at my best yet, I’m coming back from a long injury and the Torino game was only my fourth match,” Cisse said. “I still have a lot of time to find my best condition, but I’m working and I feel good.”
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What happened
Cisse has spoken publicly about how his move to AC Milan almost didn't happen, as he was on the verge of completing a transfer to PSV Eindhoven. The intervention of Milan changed the trajectory of the deal, with the Italian club ultimately securing the player's signature. The story highlights the competitive nature of the summer transfer market and Milan's ability to hijack rival negotiations at the final stage.
Chance analysis
Cisse's account offers a candid look at how thin the margins can be in modern transfer dealings. A move to PSV appeared all but finalized before Milan stepped in and reshaped the picture, underlining both the player's appeal and Milan's pull as a destination. For supporters, it is a reminder that reported 'done deals' in football can collapse quickly when bigger clubs enter the frame.
Milan strengthen their squad with a player who was widely expected to move to PSV, while PSV miss out on a near-completed target.