Alex Jimenez has completed a move to Fiorentina, and the Spaniard used his unveiling to reflect warmly on his time at Milan, as reported by MilanNews.
The exit closes a chapter that once looked far more promising. When Jimenez arrived from Real Madrid, the profile fit exactly what Milan needed: a young, versatile full-back who could slot into the wing-back role that a back-three system demands. He had the athleticism and the flexibility to play on either flank, and for a while he looked like a homegrown answer to a position Milan have repeatedly thrown money at. That it ended with a permanent departure to a direct Serie A rival, rather than a place in the rotation, tells you the plan didn't land the way either side hoped.
For those wondering about the terms, the numbers weren't spelled out at the unveiling, but this is a full transfer to Fiorentina rather than another loan, meaning Milan have cashed in on a player they developed rather than kept him as squad depth.
Jimenez kept the tone respectful when asked about the club he left behind.
“Milan was an important stage in my career, where it all began. But now I’m here and I’m thinking about Fiorentina and working,” he said.
He also touched on his path through youth football and how it prepared him for the step up.
“Both Real Madrid B and Milan Futuro have helped me on my growth path,” he added.
Milan chose to move him on rather than build around him, and now he'll try to prove that call wrong twice a season in the colours of a rival. Those are the sales that tend to look worse if they come off.