Gourcuff will return to Milan if they rate him: father

The father of Bordeaux’s France international midfielder Yoann Gourcuff said Friday that his son, currently on loan with the French outfit, would return to AC Milan if the Italians show they have “confidence” in his abilities.

“Yoann belongs to Milan. He can stay in France – but only with Bordeaux if the team strengthens itself and qualifies for the Champions League,” Christian Gourcuff, who coaches top flight side Lorient, told the Gazzetta dello Sport sports daily.

Christian Gourcuff said that Bordeaux did not necessarily have to hang on to highly-rated coach Laurent Blanc for his son to stay with the Girondins.

“In football, everything is possible. The release clause in his contract (15 million euros) is ambiguous and there is also the possibility of a loan,” he said.

Asked what would persuade his 22-year-old offspring that he would be best served by returning to Milan, Christian Gourcuff said: “(Obtaining) the confidence of the person who sends him out onto the field.

“In Bordeaux, he has the confidence of the coach. That is the essential thing.

“At Milan he turned in some good showings but gave the impression of not having found his rhythm. In fact that’s because he did not have the confidence of (coach Carlo) Ancelotti. who counted on older players and limited (squad) turnover.

“You cannot not play a 21-year-old – his career is at stake. We all agreed a loan out was necessary.”

At Bordeaux, Gourcuff has been playing superbly and the club trail champions and leaders Lyon by just one point.