Franck Kessie has revealed the reasoning behind his decision to turn down Juventus and rejoin Atalanta on a free transfer. The 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder departs the Saudi Pro League after his contract expired, choosing sentiment over financial incentive in one of the summer's most intriguing moves.
Speaking at his official presentation, Kessie was unequivocal about where his allegiances lie. "I chose Atalanta because it was a choice made with my heart," he told gathered media. "Atalanta gave me everything. I am very proud to be back here and to be part of this project." His return marks nearly a decade since he first left Bergamo, the city where he launched his professional career before stints at AC Milan and Barcelona established him as one of Europe's most capable box-to-box operators.
The Pull of Home Over Prestige
While Juventus pursued the midfielder aggressively to strengthen their Serie A challenge, Kessie maintained that the Turin club's advances never seriously tempted him. "It's normal that lots of teams ask after a player who has just become a free agent," he explained. "I spoke with other teams naturally, but this option gave me a lot of confidence as a player and as a person. When Atalanta asked me to come back, I wanted to return home." The contrast with his Barcelona departure—where he departed after just one season—underscores how deeply rooted he remains to Bergamo.
Kessie expressed particular enthusiasm about working under manager Maurizio Sarri, suggesting flexibility in his tactical deployment. "For me, it's not an issue to play as a deep-lying midfielder or even as more of a playmaker," he said. "The priority is to give my best for the team and for the city." This adaptability could prove crucial in Atalanta's midfield alongside their emerging talents under Sarri's demanding system.
Ambitious Targets in Bergamo
Far from viewing this move as a final chapter, Kessie positioned himself as part of a genuine Serie A contender. "We want to fight for everything here in Bergamo. The Scudetto, the Coppa Italia, the Europa League, that's why we're here," he asserted. Atalanta have invested significantly in recent seasons and boast a renovated Gewiss Stadium, creating what Kessie sees as ideal conditions for a sustained challenge across all competitions. With his experience and physical presence restored to midfield, Atalanta's ambitions of competing for the Scudetto now appear considerably more credible.
