"Kessie has been Milan's heart"

Christian Panucci is well aware of what it is like to play for Milan and Real Madrid. The former full-back won the 'Septima' with 'Los Blancos' against Juventus in 1998 and spoke about a player who is about to leave the San Siro for FC Barcelona.

Franck Kessie is the best African player in Serie A last season and one of the 'Rossoneri's most important players in the league title triumph. The midfielder has practically signed for the Catalan giants and will arrive at the Camp Nou as a free agent.

The Italian was full of praise for the Ivorian. "He has been the heart of Milan. He is a very technical player, with a good foot, but I don't know if he will be a starter with Xavi Hernandez, that will be up to the coach," he said at the second edition of the Legends Trophy padel tournament, which was held in Barcelona.

"Barça are a great team and they will always come back. I'm very happy for Madrid and for Ancelotti, he's a great person and deserves everything he has achieved," he said of his former team.