'I Don't Think Endrick Needs to Go on Loan': Mourinho Addresses Milan Links

Jose Mourinho has ruled out a January loan move to AC Milan for Endrick, saying the Brazilian forward will stay at the club despite his lack of playing time this season.

Milan had been keen on a short-term deal and saw the teenager as a good fit for their attack. Mourinho has now closed the door on that idea. He wants to keep the young striker in his squad for the rest of the campaign, so Milan will have to look at other targets.

Endrick has had a slow start. A pre-season injury kept him out for more than a month, which cut down his chances to make an impression early on. Mourinho admitted he has not given the player a proper run since he got fit again, but he said there was a reason for one recent snub. 

He told TNT Sports Brasil that Endrick was set to come on in the game against Villarreal. 

"It is true that I haven't given him a real chance after his recovery, but against Villarreal he was about to come on," Mourinho said. "Then we scored a goal, and in numerical inferiority, it is normal that the coach considers other options."

Milan thought a loan would help everyone, since Endrick would get regular first-team football. Mourinho does not agree. He still rates the forward highly and believes his long-term future is bright. 

"I don't think Endrick needs to go on loan and I believe he can have a lot of success here," he said.

For now, Endrick has to be patient and keep fighting for a place in the team. The busy winter schedule should give him more chances, as Mourinho will need to rotate his squad across all competitions.