Tottenham Hotspur right-back Emerson Royal has openly expressed his enthusiasm about a potential move to Milan. In a recent interview with Brazilian journalist André Hernan, Royal confirmed Milan’s interest and shared his thoughts on the possibility of joining the Italian giants.
“I know Milan is in contact with Tottenham and has inquired about me,” Royal stated. “It’s very gratifying because many Brazilian players have played for Milan. We’ll wait and see what happens. Milan’s jersey is very important and carries a lot of weight. Knowing that teams of this caliber are following me makes me very happy.”
The 24-year-old defender also hinted at his readiness for the move, mentioning his experience working with Antonio Conte, who spoke Italian. However, he cautioned that nothing is definitive yet.
Gazzetta dello Sport report Royal’s interest in Milan comes after a challenging season at Tottenham, where his starting appearances nearly halved from the previous year. He views a potential transfer to Milan as an opportunity for redemption and considers the Italian club a step up from his current situation in London.
While there seems to be a preliminary agreement on personal terms, two main obstacles remain. Firstly, Tottenham is reportedly asking for over €20 million, while Milan aims to keep the price below that threshold. A compromise around €18 million seems possible. Secondly, Milan is considering other options for the right-back position, so Royal’s transfer is not guaranteed.
Royal’s journey from the favelas of São Paulo to the Brazilian national team has been marked by perseverance and faith. He has overcome significant challenges, including a harrowing armed robbery attempt in 2022.
Known for his dedication to self-improvement, Royal once invested heavily in personal development resources, including a hyperbaric chamber and consultations with a mental coach and neuroscientist, to enhance his performance under Antonio Conte at Tottenham.
