Charles De Ketelaere insists he ‘doesn’t remorse’ becoming a member of Milan in 2022, however feels he has ‘improved as a participant’ with Atalanta and Belgium.
The Belgium worldwide has been sometimes used as a False 9 for his membership this season and appears to be employed there at worldwide stage too, particularly after Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku’s infamous damage issues.
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“That’s how the coach likes to make use of me. I additionally really feel good in that function, I feel I did properly, particularly as a result of we’re a staff with many attackers and midfielders who prefer to play soccer,”
“Romelu stays the primary, in fact. He’s tremendous essential and has already meant so much to the nationwide staff. Have a look at the variety of objectives he has scored; that’s spectacular. I even have a variety of respect for him as an individual off the pitch.
“He’s the first-choice striker anyway, however I feel I seized my alternative in his absence. I scored twice towards Liechtenstein. So issues are going properly there too.”
Troublesome season for De Ketelaere
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his staff’s first objective through the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Photographs)
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De Ketelaere had been out of motion for over a month , however confirms he recovered forward of schedule.
He had not initially been lined up for these pleasant exams, however was capable of settle for the decision from Belgium.
The participant has contributed 5 objectives and 5 assists for Atalanta thus far this season, however maintains the statistics don’t present the entire image.
“I’d’ve scored barely lower than final season, however I actually do really feel that I’m taking part in significantly better. I do know that sounds contradictory, however I do really feel that I’m extra essential to the staff now.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Martin Vitik of Bologna battles for possession with Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta through the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Atalanta BC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photographs)
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A part of that’s the change of administration, as after Gian Piero Gasperini left Atalanta, there was a short spell underneath Ivan Juric, earlier than flourishing with Raffaele Palladino.
“Gasperini typically substitutes his strikers after 60 minutes, however now I play extra and I really feel that I’ve grown as a participant.”
De Ketelaere first got here to Italy for Milan at a value of €37.5m plus bonuses from Membership Brugge in 2022 and struggled, so after only one 12 months he went to Atalanta.
“I nonetheless don’t remorse that transfer from Membership Brugge to Milan. Maybe I ought to’ve had extra self-confidence, however I’ve discovered that within the meantime,” continued the Belgian.
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“The fashion of play with Atalanta helped me in my improvement. I feel my qualities come to the fore greatest in a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2.
“I get pleasure from being at Atalanta. I’m tremendous blissful there and nonetheless have a while left on my contract. Generally it’s a must to cherish what you might have.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC is challenged by Jan Boril of Slavia Praha through the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Part MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
They have been the one Italian staff to make it into the Champions League Spherical of 16, even when they have been hammered 10-2 on combination by Bayern Munich.
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“Bayern made us play badly. I’ve confronted many prime European groups with Atalanta, together with Actual Madrid, and at all times felt one thing was attainable, that we had the possibilities to attain and win.
“I by no means felt that with Bayern Munich. Their stage was so excessive, once we tried to press them, it truly performed to their benefit. Whole soccer is the suitable description, they’re for my part the favourites to win the Champions League,” concluded De Ketelaere.