Hauge reflects honestly on Milan spell: “I could’ve maybe been more patient” | OneFootball

Jens Petter Hauge has reflected on his time with AC Milan, also insisting he still has what it takes to reach the highest levels in football.

In many ways Hauge lived a fairytale, as he travelled with Bodo/Glimt for a Europa League qualifier against Milan during the 2020 summer transfer window and got a goal and an assist at San Siro.

We reported at the time that Milan were impressed by what they saw after having also scouted him previously, and that a bid would be submitted. One week later, the winger joined Milan for €5m, penning a five-year contract.

He certainly made a mark in the minutes he was given but ultimately struggled for consistent playing time under Stefano Pioli due to the presence of the other forwards in the squad. At the age of 25, Hauge has since played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Gent and is now back at Bodo.

Speaking in an interview with RG, the 13-time Norway international reflected on what didn’t quite work for him with the Rossoneri.

“Moving to Milan in the middle of a pandemic was a big step, but it also made me who I am today. Bodø was nowhere near Milan in terms of the club’s size or the city; the way we live in Bodø is a lot simpler,” he said.

“At the time, I was really happy there and doing my best. In the beginning I was scoring goals, playing a lot and helping the team, but in the final months before the summer, I spent more time on the bench which made me a little bit more stressed than I should’ve been.

“I decided to go to Frankfurt, which I felt was the perfect step for me… they had a clear vision, and a good plan for me. I don’t regret anything, but of course, I could’ve maybe been more patient because I was in such a good space at such a big club. In the end, I’m happy with the decision and I’m happy with how I spent my months in Milan.”