Milan, Gimenez’s father: ‘Terrible night’ after Tare transfer claims | OneFootball

Christian Gimenez, father of Milan striker Santiago, admits Igli Tare’s claims regarding a possible swap deal with Artem Dovbyk were ‘confusing’, but his son strongly wanted to stay at San Siro even if somebody ‘began to doubt his abilities.’

Gimenez seemed on the verge of leaving Milan on the deadline day, as the Rossoneri held talks with Roma over a possible swap deal with Dovbyk.

Milan director Tare said last week that the Rossoneri were ready to discuss the transfer with Roma, leaving Gimenez and his entourage disappointed.

Tare provided the transfer update just a few minutes before Lecce-Milan, in which Gimenez started in the Rossoneri’s attack.

Gimenez not informed about possible swap deal with Dovbyk

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 09: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“At the beginning, we heard many things. Then on Friday, when Santiago started the match [against Lecce], we listened to the statements from Milan’s sporting director and we started realising what was happening,” Gimenez’s father told Claro Sports via Milannews.

“We didn’t know what was going on. He was in the starting XI, but the club wanted to sell him.

“It was all very confusing. Santi’s agent was always in contact with the club. The club had the chance to make that swap, but Santi was never consulted about the situation. There were rumours, but the reality is that Gimenez is a Milan player, he has a contract, and on Monday morning, all the parties met and decided that Santi would stay. They pushed for the swap, but it was never confirmed.

“I felt really bad. It was a terrible night. I didn’t sleep,” Gimenez’s father continued.

“I was constantly receiving updates on what was happening and maintained constant communication with the club. Everything was very strange; we didn’t have time to figure out whether it was true that the club wouldn’t consider him for the season. This is a World Cup year, and if Santi hadn’t had the chance to fight for a starting spot, it would have been complicated and difficult.”

Gimenez joined Milan from Feyenoord in the January 2025 transfer window and was initially coached by Sergio Conceiçao. Massimiliano Allegri replaced the Portuguese tactician in May.

Gimenez happy at Milan

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We are happy that Santi is still at Milan. At some point, they began to doubt his abilities and qualities because both the coach and the sporting directors were newcomers,” Gimenez’s father added.

“They’ll get to know him by coaching him and working with him. Tare and Allegri spoke to Santiago. Everything seemed strange to me because he had started two games out of thre.

Milan invested $40m in a player whom they wanted to loan out after four months. It didn’t make sense to me. I know that Santi is at a club that he loves, where he wants to be and even if he were to leave, his life wouldn’t be over. The truth is that he’s really happy at Milan. It took him a while to arrive. Ten players have left since June, including some very important ones, but I have great confidence that he will have a great season.”

Gimenez has scored six goals in 22 Milan games. His contract at San Siro runs out in June 2029.