Higuain: Sarri was the only person who wanted me at Chelsea
New AC Milan signing Gonzalo Higuain has addressed speculation that Chelsea were a leading contender for his signature, suggesting he wasn't welcome at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina striker, who joined the Rossoneri on loan this week as part of the blockbuster swap deal involving Leo Bonucci and Mattia Caldara, suggested only his former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri wanted to see him in west London.
Related: Why the Bonucci-Higuain-Caldara deal makes sense for Milan and Juventus
"I have big respect for Sarri, but he was the only one who wanted me at Chelsea," Higuain told reporters at his unveiling on Friday, according to the Evening Standard's Simon Johnson.
"Here at Milan, everyone wanted me. That's why I chose Milan. The motivation and conviction they showed at Milan was fundamental."
111 - Since his arrival in 2013, Gonzalo Higuain is @SerieA_TIM top scorer with 111 goals in 177 matches. The Argentine forward is the only one to have scored at least 15 goals in each of the last 5 League seasons. Killer. pic.twitter.com/UhHgnQB1ec
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 1, 2018
Johnson suggests Sarri had been attempting to convince his new employers to take a gamble on the 30-year-old before Higuain agreed to his switch to San Siro. The Argentinian scored 38 goals in 42 games in his only season under Sarri in Naples.
Chelsea's season opens on Sunday with a clash with Manchester City in the Community Shield. Meanwhile, Higuain's Milan campaign kicks off on Aug. 19 against Genoa in the Rossoneri's Serie A opener.