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Juraj Kucka has joined Milan on a permanent transfer from Genoa, the club announced Friday morning.
#ACMilan announces the signing of Juraj Kucka from Genoa CFC. He signed a contract until 30th June 2019 #weareacmilan pic.twitter.com/11zxOtnmbo
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 28, 2015
The 28-year-old midfielder has joined for a fee of 3 million euros and signed a four-year contract with the Rossoneri. Manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has called the Slovenian into the squad for Saturday's match against Empoli. Milan's other acquisition this week, Mario Balotelli, is also available for selection Saturday.
In five seasons at Genoa, Kucka played 122 Serie A matches, scoring nine goals and assisting on six others.
Kucka spoke to Milan Channel Friday morning about what it means for him to join Milan.
"I am very pleased to be here. For me, this is a big opportunity and a great challenge to play at Milan. It all happened very quickly. I arrived yesterday evening in Milan. I’ve always played as a centre midfielder, then on the wing, but wherever the coach plays me I will try and do well. We face Empoli tomorrow and I want to give my all. I am really motivated to do well. I have spoken to Antonelli and he said that he is waiting for me. I cannot wait to see him and Bertolacci, I know them well."
As Kucka alludes to, this is the latest in a long line of deals between Milan and Genoa over the past few years. Milan left back Luca Antonelli switched clubs in January, and Andrea Bertolacci, Milan's 20-million-euro signing from Roma, played on loan at Genoa last season, along with Milan's Alessandro Matri. M'Baye Niang, Milan's young, promising forward, is playing on loan at Genoa in 2015-16. In 2013-14, Milan purchased Kevin Constant and Valter Birsa outright from Genoa, and Luca Antonini and Rodney Strasser went the other way.
The addition of Kucka, who can play as a central midfielder or on the wing, could quiet the rumors surrounding other midfielders as the transfer window closes. Milan has recently been linked to Sampdoria's Roberto Soriano, Zenit's Axel Witsel and Monaco's Joao Moutinho. The club was also reportedly interested in Real Madrid's Asier Illarramendi, before the Spaniard returned to Real Sociedad.