AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic has revealed why he snubbed an offer from Atletico Madrid to join the Seria A giant during the summer transfer window.
Atletico Madrid pursued a number of potential targets ahead of the 2024/25 season and secured two key deals for Diego Simeone’s rear guard.
Spain star Robin Le Normand arrived after playing a vital role in La Roja’s UEFA Euro 2024 title win before a loan deal was agreed to bring in Barcelona centre back Clement Lenglet.
However, things could have been different if the Spanish offer for Strahinja Pavlovic had gone through. The Serbia international was linked with Atletico Madrid but no formal offer landed at RB Salzburg.
Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan arrives for a UEFA Champions League match. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)
With Atletico Madrid undecided over making a clear move, AC Milan swooped in at the last minute, and he made an €18m transfer move to the San Siro following a charm offensive by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I didn’t speak to Diego Simeone or anyone else at the club. I knew about Atletico Madrid’s interest through my agent and others, but I told Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) I wanted to go to AC Milan,” he told an interview with Mozzartsport, reported via Mundo Deportivo.
“I did it for Zlatan, for the greatness of the club and the chance to play Serie A. I had several conversations with Ibra, in which he told me he liked my character, that he liked who I am, and he wanted to see me here at all costs.
“The negotiations were expected to end sooner, but we had some minor problems in Salzburg; it didn’t go as planned, but in the end, everything turned out well and I got here.”
