Ruben Amorim says he personally blocked Pervis Estupinan from leaving Milan during the summer transfer window, despite interest from a number of clubs including Aston Villa.
The Ecuador international is in his second season with Milan after joining from Brighton for €18.3m in 2025. He has been a semi-regular starter at San Siro under Portuguese coach Amorim, although Milan supporters have repeatedly criticised the 28-year-old since the start of the campaign.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Amorim said he wanted to make clear that Estupinan remained at the club because of his decision.
“Sometimes, at other clubs too, fans don’t particularly like certain players,” Amorim said, via MilanNews.
“We need to help Estupinan, and we need to help the fans understand who Estupinan is. I can assure you that he works incredibly hard. He has played in the Premier League, and I can guarantee that, at the end of the transfer window, we had a list of clubs that wanted him, but I said no. I want the fans to know it was my responsibility.”
Aston Villa held talks with Milan about signing Estupinan at various points during the previous campaign. Reports at the time said the Premier League club were prepared to pay €19m for the defender.
Amorim said Estupinan’s continued involvement was based on his own judgement and that he remained convinced the player would make an important contribution.
“He’s playing because I’m the one choosing Estupinan. I believe in him, and I’m convinced he’ll be really important for our team,” he said.
“But I’ve understood that feeling since the first game. We must simply help Estupinan because we are a team. If a teammate suffers for this, the whole team suffers with him and supports him.”
Estupinan was introduced as a substitute during Milan’s 3-2 victory over Atalanta on Sunday. He has made seven appearances in all competitions this season.
Amorim addressed the media after the final whistle, having also completed his post-match interview with Italian television broadcasters.
