AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that he personally intervened to prevent Aston Villa from signing left-back Pervis Estupinan during the summer transfer window, taking full responsibility for the decision.

Estupinan moved to AC Milan in the summer of 2025 following five seasons at Brighton in the Premier League. Aston Villa had targeted the Ecuador international as a replacement for Lucas Digne, who departed to PSG this summer. According to Sport Witness, Estupinan had agreed on certain terms for a move to Villa Park before Amorim stepped in.

AC Milan paid Brighton close to £17 million for the left-back's services, and Amorim made clear he had no intention of allowing that investment to leave the club — regardless of how many clubs came calling.

Amorim defends his decision publicly

Speaking candidly, the former Manchester United manager addressed both Estupinan's limited playing time and the scepticism of a portion of AC Milan's fanbase toward the player.