Parma director general Pietro Leonardi says he never considered blocking Cristian Zaccardo’s move to Milan.

The defender, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, joined the Diavolo this month in a swap deal with Djamel Mesbah.

“He wanted to join Milan,” the official told Sport Italia. “In situations like this I ask players to stay if they have the desire to stay.

“He wanted to fulfil a dream and we put ourselves at his disposal.

“Zaccardo’s CV speaks for itself. He has great experience which can be added to that of the other Milan players.”

The 31-year-old, formerly of Palermo and Wolfsburg, can play as a centre-back or a right-back.

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