Zachary Athekame joined Lyon on a straight loan during the summer transfer window for one reason only: to have greater opportunities to play regularly. Rather than struggling for playing time on the flank, the Rossoneri planned a year away from Milan with the intention of bringing him back at the end of the season.
When the move to France, where he joined former coach Paulo Fonseca, was arranged, the club did not want to include a purchase option in Lyon’s favour, writes Corriere dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
In fact, AC Milan do believe in Athekame’s qualities, and he is doing very well in Ligue 1, having already scored two goals and provided two assists at the start of the season. "I view my first season with Milan positively. I settled in well, it was a new, more tactical league,” the Swiss full-back said in an interview with 'RSI'. "Then there was a change on the bench. I spoke with the new coach and decided to change clubs. I felt very good in Milan, I am a Milan player. I am in Lyon now, but I would like to return."
Athekame wants to earn a place at AC Milan:
So the plan is clear: his experience in Lyon will help him grow and improve, but next season Athekame will be back at Milanello to fight for his place and put everything he has learned during the current season with Fonseca into practice.
