After a slow start to loan-life at AC Milan, Chelsea youngster Mario Pasalic has been regularly impressing in the Rossoneri’s three-man midfield setup even as the team have recently endured a few mixed results after a promising first-half of the season. They still look on course to finish higher than the disappointing 8th and 10th place finishes of the last two seasons.
Pasalic has been a big reason for Milan’s improved fortunes, as has new manager Vincenzo Montella who has helped the 22-year-old recover from last season’s back injury and once again get back on his highly promising career path. Whether that means anything beyond this season remains to be seen, though the way this situation has been evolving lately, it would not be surprising to see Pasalic back at Milan next season as well (either on loan again or on a permanent transfer).
"At the beginning I had some difficulties because I had to regain my physical shape. I needed three months but I thank Milan and Montella for waiting for me. This is the third season of my career and I need to grow a lot. I'm very comfortable at Milan."
"My future? I support Chelsea, I hope they win the Premier League. Now I'm a Milan player, then we'll see. At the end of the season the two clubs will have to talk."
-Mario Pasalic; source: Corriere dello Sport via Gianluca Di Marzio
While Pasalic remains coy on his future, he will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the current season. Big decisions will have to be made.