Friday 12 September 2014 17:23, UK
Marco van Ginkel says Nigel de Jong and Fernando Torres helped persuade him to join AC Milan on loan from Chelsea this summer.
Van Ginkel, who only joined Chelsea from Vitesse last summer, completed a season-long switch to the San Siro on deadline day after finding first-team opportunities limited in England.
The transfer window also saw Fernando Torres head in the same direction, on a two-year loan, while Dutch team-mate Nigel de Jong extended his Milan stay by another three years.
Van Ginkel admitted his pride at joining such an illustrious club after both De Jong and Torres helped sell it to him.
"I’m really happy here at Milan, they are a wonderful club. There are nice people and good players," he told Milan Channel.
"De Jong and Torres called me several times to convince me to accept AC Milan, Nigel told me about the history of the club and my future in Milan.
"At Chelsea there was not much space after my injury and I was looking for the opportunity to play frequently.
"Nigel really convinced me, now I’m happy to be here. Playing in a stadium like the San Siro is a real pride for me"
The 21-year-old was also advised by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho as he looks to play regular football this season.
Van Ginkel said: "Mourinho suggested for me to come to AC Milan. Jose thought about my future and my needs."
