Monday 13 July 2015 21:37, UK
Monaco have confirmed that they have signed striker Stephan El Shaarawy on a season-long loan from AC Milan.
El Shaarawy found the net just three times in 19 games for Milan in an injury-disrupted 2014-15 season and was likely to find his first-team chances limited further following the arrival of Carlos Bacca from Sevilla earlier this month.
Monaco have the option of buying El Shaarawy at the conclusion of his loan deal and the 22-year-old Italy international will join up with his new team-mates on their pre-season training excursion to St Vincent.
Leonardo Jardim's side secured a third-placed Ligue 1 finish to qualify for this season's Champions League, but struggled for goals at times last campaign and El Shaarawy is keen to repay the faith shown in him by the principality club's hierarchy.
"It's a great feeling to sign here in Monaco. I am very happy and very moved," he told his new club's website.
"I thank the president of Monaco for this opportunity. I hope to have a great season with Monaco and give pleasure to the fans."
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev added: "We are very proud to welcome Stephan El Shaarawy, whose arrival marks a highlight of our recruitment strategy.
"Stephan El Shaarawy has experience of several seasons at the highest level and also represents the future."
