Victor Boniface reveals medical reasons behind collapsed AC Milan transfer

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has spoken openly about the medical concerns that prevented his move to AC Milan, clarifying details of the failed transfer after a strongly worded outburst on social media.

The Nigerian forward, who joined Leverkusen last season and quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s rising stars, had been heavily linked with a switch to the Rossoneri during the summer window.

At one stage, negotiations appeared close to completion, only for the deal to collapse suddenly. The episode sparked widespread speculation, with critics questioning both the player’s fitness and attitude.

For the first time, Boniface has addressed the matter directly. Speaking during a live broadcast on Twitch, the 23-year-old confirmed that his injury record played a decisive role in halting discussions with the Italian club.

“The transfer didn’t happen because of my past injuries,” he admitted. “I had two injuries on my right knee, and it’s something I had been dealing with for a long time. At a point, I gave up. When others were playing football, I was only working to find my way back to the game.”

Boniface’s comments shed light on the long and difficult road he has travelled in his career. The striker suffered two anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, injuries that not only tested his physical resilience but also left a lasting psychological impact.

“After my second injury, I didn’t want to play anymore because of the pain from the first and what I went through with the second,” he revealed. “During that time, I also lost my mother.”

His admission offers a more personal perspective on the frustration he displayed online earlier this month. In a post that drew attention across Europe, Boniface lashed out at his critics, describing them as “clowns.”

The blunt remarks surprised many, but his Twitch appearance suggests the outburst was fuelled less by arrogance and more by a deep sense of disappointment.

Boniface explained that clarifying his story was important to ensure fans and observers understood why the Milan move never materialised. He accepted responsibility for the situation, stressing that the decision was influenced not by lack of effort or desire but by legitimate concerns over his medical history.

For the forward, who has been in impressive form for Leverkusen since his arrival, the episode represents a painful reminder of how injuries can shape careers. Despite the setback, his determination to fight back has become a defining feature of his journey.

“I was only working to play football again,” he said, reflecting on the months of rehabilitation that followed each injury. His resilience ultimately paid off, as he returned to professional football and earned his move to the Bundesliga, where he has since enhanced his reputation.

Although the chapter with AC Milan may now be closed, Boniface’s honesty about his struggles has drawn admiration. His decision to speak publicly highlights not only the pressures faced by professional athletes but also the emotional toll that repeated injuries can inflict.

As Bayer Leverkusen prepare for another demanding campaign, Boniface’s focus is firmly on the present. The striker has made clear that while the Milan transfer failed to materialise, his ambitions remain undiminished. What could have been a defining disappointment has instead strengthened his resolve to prove himself at the highest level.