‘I could have earned a lot more money at Milan, but I would have been unhappy’ – Téji Savanier reveals he rejected AC Milan move

Speaking on RMC Sport show Rothen s’enflamme, Montpellier HSC captain Téji Savanier (31) revealed that he rejected a move to AC Milan back in 2019 in favour of a return to his boyhood club. 

Savanier is from Montpellier and came through the club’s academy system. However, he had to make a name for himself elsewhere before making an appearance for the first team. In the summer of 2011, he left Les Héraults and joined AC Arles-Avignon on a free transfer, however, his major breakthrough came at Nîmes Olympique.

He made 132 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and registering 44 assists. That form caught the attention, not only of Montpellier but also of other clubs in Europe, including AC Milan. Savanier has now revealed that he rejected a move to the Serie A giants in favour of a return to his hometown. 

“There was Lyon, there was Milan, but it was the year that I signed for Montpellier (2019). I prioritised my family over my career. I could have earned a lot more money at Milan but I would have been unhappy,” the Montpellier captain told Jérôme Rothen. 

He added, “In Montpellier, I am at home, I still live in my neighbourhood. Lots of people around me told me to go to Milan, but if I went there, I wouldn’t have been good without my family. Lots of people spoke to me about money, but money doesn’t make you happy. I am not going to complain today. I’m not saying I’m badly paid at Montpellier, far from it, but I am very happy at home, with my family, with my children. My son comes to training with me; for me, that’s the best thing that can happen.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle