Alessio Cerci says Milan did not live up to promises for regular playing time

A promise made should be a promise kept, says AC Milan's Alessio Cerci.

The 28-year-old forward voiced his disappointment and frustration with his stint on the bench at the Milanese club last season, despite being promised regular playing time.

He had a few options, but settled on Milan, a decision the Italian international says he regrets in the end.

"I made the mistake to trust people," Cerci told Tuttosport via Goal. "Several clubs wanted me, including Inter, but I eventually picked Milan because they gave me the guarantee that I would play all games. This was never the case in the end."

Cerci signed with Atletico Madrid in 2014 but failed to acclimatize to the Spanish capital. Desperate to return to Italy, and with several options available to him, Cerci went on loan to Milan for 18 months, with Fernando Torres going the other way. The promise of regular playing time persuaded him to join the Rossoneri instead of Inter Milan.

"I never played more than two games in a row," Cerci said. "There was no rotation and I was substituted more than any one else. They were not clear to me. I had not been playing much for three to four months and it was obvious that I needed game time and faith. I never got that."

Under former head coach Filippo Inzaghi, Cerci featured 18 times, scoring only one goal, and ended up on the bench more often than on the playing field. But, Cerci says that under new head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, Cerci says he is ready to compete and is confident he will earn a regular starting spot once again.

"I know that there is stiff competition for places, but I am second to none if I train well," Cerci said. "I can challenge any attacker. I feel the confidence of the club now and I am enjoying a fine pre-season. I have great desire and determination."