Yanga-Mbiwa: Not joining AC Milan was a blow

Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has voiced his disappointment with the collapse of his proposed move to AC Milan.

The Serie A giants had earmarked the France international as the perfect replacement for Thiago Silva, but failed to reach an agreement with his club.

“Milan wanted me, but even though my president was ready to sell me, the deal didn’t go through in the end,” Yanga-Mbiwa told L’Equipe.

“I was really disappointed about not joining Milan, but our president is the owner of the club and he must be respected.

“Milan made an offer but it was rejected. It was then I understood that it would be difficult for me to leave Montpellier.”

Yanga-Mbiwa, 23, said Arsenal were keen to sign him as well, but added that he only wanted to join Milan.

“Arsenal also tried to sign me, but I had my attention elsewhere,” the defender said.

Yanga-Mbiwa’s contract with Montpellier is due to expire at the end of the season.