The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsAC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco.
The Italian international, who has been a transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal, arrives at the Stade Louis II initially on a one year loan, but the French side have the option to buy at the end of the season. There are also reports that suggest the option will become mandatory if the striker plays a certain amount of games for the Ligue 1 side.
The 22 year old had a medial with the Principality club on Monday, and the club will pay the Serie A side a €16 million fee.
”It’s a great feeling to sign here in Monaco. I am very happy and excited,” El Shaarawy told the club’s official website.
“I thank the President of AS Monaco for this opportunity and hope to have a great season. I want to make the fans happy.”
El Shaarawy was the Serie A’s top scorer at the midway point of the 2012/13 with 14 goals, but after the arrival of Mario Balotelli, the Italian struggled during the second half of the season.
And over the past two seasons, the forward has struggled with both injuries and the signings of fellow forwards Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano, who have arrived to replace him this summer.
“We are very proud to welcome Stephan El Shaarawy, whose arrival marks the highlight of our recruitment strategy,” said Monaco CEO Vadim Vasilyev.
“El Shaarawy has experience of several seasons at the highest level, but simultaneously represents the future. His talent allowed him to explode in front of the eyes of world football and we believe that AS Monaco will allow him to fully accomplish his potential.”
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani also had kind words for El Shaarawy:
“Dear Stephan, Milan wish to thank you for the dedication and hard work you always showed in our jersey, and for the goals and talent you were able to exhibit in these four Rossoneri years,” Galliani wrote.
“We all wish you every success for the continuation of your career as a player, both at club level and for the Nazionale.
“Ciao Stephan, a strong and heartfelt wish for all the best!”
