Abate: I had offers, but AC Milan are my priority

The defender revealed that Adriano Galliani made it clear he wanted him to stay at San Siro, despite competition for places from the emerging Mattia de Sciglio

AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate has revealed he has received offers from other clubs, but insists his priority is to play for the Rossoneri.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Zenit St Petersburg in the January transfer window after losing his regular spot in the starting line-up, and although he admits there was interest, the thought of quitting San Siro has never crossed his mind.

“The transfer market? There was a concrete offer, not just rumours. I spoke with [Milan vice-president] Adriano Galliani and he wanted me to stay. Milan is my priority," he told Corrie Dello Sport.

“I started badly with an ankle injury in the Berlusconi Trophy and then a pulled muscle. After the Christmas break, I got back in shape and things have gone well since then."

The emergence of Mattia de Sciglio has contributed to Abate's reduced first-team action this season, but the former Torino full-back feels competition for places is nothing new at Milan.

“De Sciglio? There’s always a lot of competition here at the club. Mattia is new and deserves the praise he’s getting,” he added.