Kessié on rejecting Juventus and choosing Atalanta: A decision from the heart

Ivory Coast international Franck Kessié has returned to Atalanta after a 9-year absence, choosing the Italian club over several offers, including those from Juventus and Roma, during the summer transfer window.

Franck Kessié said during his presentation conference: "Atalanta was a choice from the heart. The club gives me a lot on a personal and professional level, and when Atalanta entered the negotiations, they showed me a lot, so my choice was easy. I said: I will return home."

The midfielder added: "I left Atalanta when I was 20 years old and I was still a child, and now I return as a mature man. Atalanta gave me everything, fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional player, and helped me get out of Ivory Coast, which means a lot to me."

Kessié has confirmed his ambitions with his new team, stating: "We want to compete for everything, the Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa Conference League."

Cristiano Giuntoli, the sporting director, participated in the conference and talked about some behind-the-scenes aspects of the transfer market, including Atalanta's failure to complete the signing of winger Aljbegovic, who eventually transferred to Juventus.