Ruben Amorim admits he blocked Pervis Estupinan’s summer exit: ‘We had a list of clubs that wanted him, but I said no.’
Milan coach Amorim reveals he blocked Estupinan’s summer exit.
The Ecuador international has been a semi-regular starter at San Siro under the Portuguese coach. This is Estupinan’s second season at Milan after his €18.3m transfer from Brighton in 2025.
Amorim: I blocked Estupinan’s Milan exit
ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 18, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Despite Amorim’s liking, Milan fans have criticised Estupinan heavily since the start of the campaign.
“Sometimes, at other clubs too, fans don’t particularly like certain players,” Amorim said at a press conference on Sunday via MilanNews.
“We need to help Estupinan, and we need to help the fans understand who Estupinan is. I can assure you that he works incredibly hard. He has played in the Premier League, and I can guarantee that, at the end of the transfer window, we had a list of clubs that wanted him, but I said no. I want the fans to know it was my responsibility.”
Aston Villa were in talks with Milan to sign Estupinan at various stages of the previous campaign, and Amorim has now revealed that he decided to keep the 28-year-old defender at the club.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan controls the ball against Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC during the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images)
At the time, reports said Aston Villa were ready to pay €19m to secure Estupinan’s services.
“He’s playing because I’m the one choosing Estupinan. I believe in him, and I’m convinced he’ll be really important for our team,” Amorim continued.
“But I’ve understood that feeling since the first game. We must simply help Estupinan because we are a team. If a teammate suffers for this, the whole team suffers with him and supports him.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan walks off after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan introduced Estupinan from the bench as a substitute during Milan’s 3-2 win over Atalanta on Sunday.
Amorim spoke to the press at full-time, following his post-match interview with Italian TV stations.
Estupinan has made seven appearances across all competitions this season.