AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has insisted the club have complete confidence in out-of-form winger Stephan El Shaarawy, Sky Sports understands.
El Shaarawy, who has been reportedly attracting interest from a number of top Premier League sides — including the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City — in recent times, was the subject of a €30 million bid from an unnamed club in the summer.
However, the he Italy international, 20, rejected the opportunity to move abroad (and triple his wages) in favour of remaining at the San Siro.
Towards the end of last term, El Shaarawy suffered a dip in goal-scoring form, which has unfortunately carried over into this season.
Critics have been questioning El Shaarawy in recent weeks, but Galliani remains confident in the 20-year-old’s ability and future at the club.
“I’d like to remind people that if we are in the Champions League, then part of the credit goes to El Shaarawy,” said Galliani.
“He is only 20 years old and flew up the ranking, so growing up that quickly is difficult. Our judgement on him is absolutely positive, he has a five-year contract and we believe in him.
“He showed how much he cares about the club colours, because over the summer he could’ve moved to a team that was prepared to triple his wages.”
El Shaarawy, who netted 19 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri last season, has scored one goal — against PSV in the UEFA Champions League — in four competitive matches in 2013/14.
Ba committed to Chelsea
Chelsea F.C. striker Demba Ba has revealed he wanted to join Arsenal on loan before the close of the summer transfer window, but is now one hundred per cent committed to the Blues.
Ba, who joined Chelsea from Newcastle Unite for an undisclosed fee in January, scored six goals in 22 appearances for Chelsea last term.
The Senegal international, 28, is currently on the outskirts of the Blues’ first-team under new manager Jose Mourinho following the summer arrivals of André Schürrle, Samuel Eto’o and Willian.
Instead of allowing Ba to join the Gunners on loan, Mourinho decided to send Belgium ace Romelu Lukaku to Everton, much to the delight of Toffees’ boss Roberto Martinez.
“I was ready to go and to play there [at Arsenal], but it didn’t happen,” said Ba ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League encounter with Swiss giants FC Basel on Wednesday.
“I think I’m a good professional, and I’ve always worked hard to deserve what I have. Until today I will keep doing the same.
“I told him [Mourinho] if I stay I will keep fighting for the club and for the side. That’s it.
“Now what matters is the next months, the next years with Chelsea and that’s it.”
Ba is in contention to make his UCL debut against Basel, but Fernando Torres will more than likely get the start for the Blues.
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