Arne Slot has commented on Federico Chiesa's future following his goal for Liverpool as a club looks to sign him this summer.
Liverpool secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in Friday's Premier League opener.
Antoine Semenyo, who was subjected to racist abuse during and after the game, dragged Bournemouth back into the game, pulling one back before equalising.
But Chiesa, who replaced Florian Wirtz, put the Reds back in front two minutes from time with an important strike as fans spotted what he did during his celebration.
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The Italian winger played a part of his side's first game of the league campaign despite being heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer.
And his name continues to do the rounds in the transfer rumour mill as AC Milan circle ahead of potentially making an offer before the window slams shut next month.
According to a report via Football Italia, Milan are making a late push to acquire Chiesa this summer.
The club are in contact with the player's agent over a move back to Italy.
Max Allegri is familiar with Chiesa, having managed him at Juventus and is hoping for a reunion in Milan.
Speaking after Liverpool's win over Bournemouth, Slot shared his thoughts on Chiesa's goal and future, suggesting he could still have a bright future at the club.
"As long as he is here it is definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe it is going to change," he declared.
"He had a hard time last season getting his fitness ready and unfortunately for him, he then missed the Asian tour and Joe Gomez the same.
"We lost Conor Bradley in the end so all my substitutions were related to players who couldn't go 90 minutes.
"At 2-2 you need a number nine. I brought him in and he delivered and that is always positive for your future at the club."
Slot added: "The fans sung for him so many times last season and it is very nice for him to give them something in return.
"That is difficult for me to tell you (why supporters have taken to Chiesa so well), although I am a fan, I am never standing on the Kop and don't come up with these songs.
"The only thing I can come up with is Federico had a great history, was a big player deciding to go from Italy to England, which you don't see that much.
"I don't know, maybe it is also a nice song to sing, but then I probably don't give him the credits he deserves."
Topics: Arne Slot, Federico Chiesa, Football, Liverpool, AC Milan
Nasir Jabbar