Nkunku chooses RB Leipzig after unexpected departure from AC Milan

Christopher Nkunku, the French midfielder, returned on loan to RB Leipzig this summer after he was not in the plans of new manager Ruben Amorim at AC Milan, and has since played in two German matches. He scored seven goals in 32 matches for the Italian club last season.

Unexpected departure from Italy

The Frenchman was not in Ruben Amorim's plans at AC Milan and therefore chose more playing time in Germany. He admitted that he himself has little understanding of the sudden decision. “To respect a decision, you don’t always have to understand it. It happened suddenly and I did not expect it myself. I cannot explain this decision,” Nkunku said at a press conference.

Return to Germany

The German season is now two matchdays old and the midfielder has featured in both games for RB Leipzig. “I am happy and have made the right choice. The team and the coach welcomed me very well,” said the 18‑time international. In the loan agreement with AC Milan, Leipzig secured a purchase option to retain Nkunku longer after this season. After his departure from Italy he returned to Germany.

Between 2019 and 2023 the Frenchman played in Leipzig, where he appeared in 174 matches. During that period he delivered 70 goals and 57 assists.

The Frenchman, coming from the youth academy of Paris Saint‑Germain, has now earned 18 caps for France. He entered professional football through the youth academy of Paris Saint‑Germain.