Tiemoue Bakayoko is hopeful he can help AC Milan qualify for the Champions League this season to help secure a permanent move from Chelsea.
The France international joined Milan on loan at the start of the campaign, with the Italian club also having an option to buy the player for a reported €35million fee.
Bakayoko has enjoyed his time in Serie A so far after struggling to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. The former Monaco midfielder admits he wants to remain at San Siro beyond this season.
It s my dream [to stay], the thought fixed in my mind, he told Corriere dello Sport. But I have a contract with Chelsea.
[Milan chief] Leonardo says the deal is tied to the Champions League. I m not in a position to talk about it. I just want to finish the season in fourth place, then we ll think about it.
Grande Milan
— T.Bakayoko14 (@TimoeB08)
And Bakayoko appreciates Gennaro Gattuso s coaching style after the Milan boss helped him settle in at the club.
Gattuso was not my ideal player, although I say that with great respect because he won the Champions League, which is my dream, he said. Please do not tell him
For me, he is the boss and a nice person who has helped me a lot. In the first two or three months, when everything was not going well, we talked every day.
Now we understand each other with a glance and our relationship is perfect. He has a talent to show love to his players.