Franck Kessie Explains Emotional Atalanta Return After Juventus Interest
Franck Kessie has returned to Atalanta as a free agent, saying the chance to wear the Nerazzurri shirt again outweighed interest from Juventus and other clubs. Presented at the Mino Favini New Balance Academy, the 29-year-old described Bergamo as the place where his professional career began and said his decision was driven by personal attachment as well as football.
What changed for Atalanta
Kessie is back in Bergamo after spells with AC Milan and Barcelona, adding experience and midfield flexibility to Maurizio Sarri’s evolving squad. The Ivorian made clear that Atalanta was his preferred option once the club approached him.
“I picked Atalanta with my heart,” Kessie said. “I thank Luca Percassi and the owners for allowing me to come back to Bergamo. I see it as my home, the city where my journey started. Atalanta enabled me to realise my dream of becoming a professional. The club gave me so much, and I am proud to return and join this project.”
Juventus had held discussions over a possible move during the transfer window, but Kessie said the availability of a player who had become a free agent naturally generated interest elsewhere. He nevertheless felt Atalanta offered the strongest fit on and off the pitch.
- Kessie returns to the club where he established himself as a professional.
- He arrives following interest from Juventus and other teams.
- The 29-year-old is prepared to play deeper in midfield or take on a more creative role if required.
Competition context
Atalanta are beginning a new phase under Sarri, with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli calling the veteran coach “the right person” to lead the project. Kessie said he has enjoyed the daily work under the manager and is ready to adjust to Sarri’s demands rather than insist on one position.
“Playing in front of the defence or as a playmaker is not a problem for me,” he said. “What matters is giving everything for the team and for the city.”
The midfielder has set a high target for the 2026-27 season, identifying Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League as competitions Atalanta intend to contest seriously. He also pointed to the renovated Gewiss Stadium, whose altered layout has created a closer and more forceful atmosphere, as part of the club’s platform for further progress.
“We are here to compete for every trophy,” Kessie said, naming the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Europa League.
What is scheduled next
No immediate fixture or debut date was announced at Kessie’s presentation. The next decision rests with Sarri, who will determine how quickly the midfielder is integrated and whether he is first used as a box-to-box presence, in a deeper holding role or in a more advanced playmaking assignment.
For Kessie, the priority is clear: settle back into the group and help Atalanta pursue silverware across their domestic and European campaigns.
