Goncalo Ramos says he wanted to leave Paris Saint-Germain before his eventual move to AC Milan, but the French club refused to sanction a January departure.
The 25-year-old striker joined Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in the summer for a reported €74 million after scoring 31 goals in 91 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. Although Ramos produced consistently during his time in Paris, he was unable to establish himself as a regular starter.
He has made three goals in 11 appearances since arriving at the Serie A club.
Speaking to Canal 11, Ramos said: “I wanted to leave PSG, but it's always more complicated in January.
“It wasn't the best option, even though I wanted to leave in January. Now I understand better. PSG immediately said no, because they would have had to look for someone else. But Luis Campos assured me he would let me go this summer.”
Ramos admitted that leaving was emotionally difficult because of the relationships he had developed at Paris Saint-Germain.
“It was difficult for me to leave PSG, because the group was truly fantastic,” he said.
“There were the three Portuguese players I spent all my time with. They knew I wanted to leave and, jokingly, told me to stay, even if only for the atmosphere. We've experienced so many truly exceptional moments in this life.”
The Portugal international also described the frustration of scoring regularly without being rewarded with a starting place.
“Sometimes it was frustrating, I scored in four or five games in a row and I didn't start any of them,” Ramos said.
“A player in a good moment, he doesn't play, but I had to turn that frustration into motivation. They'll never be able to question my professionalism, my contribution, my determination.
“Of course, I was upset, but I turned that anger into fuel.”
Ramos said his move to AC Milan began to take shape during the World Cup, when he was in contact with his agent Jorge Mendes.
“During the World Cup, I was in contact with Jorge Mendes and Milan expressed interest,” he recalled.
Amorim’s arrival at AC Milan then helped move the transfer forward, with the manager making direct contact with Ramos.
“The coach, Ruben Amorim, arrived at Milan and called me. One morning, Jorge Mendes called me and told me the deal was done,” Ramos said.