Boniface: AC Milan Move Collapsed Due To Injury Concerns

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has spoken publicly for the first time since the collapse of his proposed transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan, admitting that his history of knee injuries played a decisive role in the deal falling through.

The 24-year-old had travelled to Italy for medicals after Milan reached an agreement with Leverkusen on a €5 million loan deal, including a €24 million option to buy.

However, following four separate medical tests, the Serie A giants pulled out due to concerns over his long-term fitness record.

Speaking during a live stream on Social media Boniface reflected on the toll injuries have taken on his career, recalling two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears that nearly forced him into early retirement.

“I gave up at a point. When others were playing football, I was just working to get back. After my second ACL injury, I didn’t even want to play again because of the pain of the first and what I went through during the second. I lost my mum around that time too,” Boniface said.

The Nigerian international confirmed Milan’s concerns were linked to those past setbacks.

“The move didn’t work out because of my past injuries. I had a knee injury twice on my right leg, and it has been there for a long time,” he added.

Despite the disappointment, Boniface remains determined to continue his career at the highest level, reminding critics of the challenges players face.

“Try to make it to my level before you insult me,” he told fans.

Boniface, who joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise for €20.5 million in 2023, is under contract until 2028 and is expected to play a major role under new head coach Erik ten Hag this season.

This marks the second collapsed transfer for the forward in 2025, after a proposed €60 million move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr fell through in January.

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