Dest: ‘I went through difficult moments at Milan’

Sergino Dest reflected on his year on loan at Milan, his lack of playing time under Stefano Pioli and current thoughts on the club.

The American right back joined the Rossoneri from Barcelona in September 2022 on a year-long loan deal with a circa €20m buy option attached, a clause that wasn’t activated in the Lombardy capital.

Dest struggled to make a strong impression with Milan, seeing just 632 minutes of action in 14 appearances across all competitions. He failed to make an appearance in the second half of the season, not playing from late January onwards.

Speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio, Dest first discussed his first few months with PSV Eindhoven.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be back on the pitch and have more space. Obviously, I went through difficult moments at Milan, but I’m happy to be at a great club like PSV and to be able to play.

“The Eredivisie may not be Serie A or La Liga, which are two great leagues, but I took one step back to take two steps forward.”

He reflected on his lack of playing time at Milan and relationship with Stefano Pioli.

“I’m not angry, I have nothing against Mister Pioli. These things happen. But when I played, I don’t think it did any harm!

“Then of course, I too have some faults, which I take on, as does he. But these are things that remain inside.”

Finally, Dest confirmed that he’s no longer following Milan.

“Currently I don’t follow the Rossoneri’s matches. Milan are the past, I’m only focused on PSV.”

This season, the 23-year-old Dest has provided two assists in 1457 minutes of action across 18 games for PSV.