Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has explained sending Alexander Merkel back to AC Milan.

The 19-year-old will spend the rest of the season on loan at San Siro just six months after he left the Diavolo for Marassi.

"I think that Merkel will become a champion," Preziosi told Radio Mana Mana 24. "If the boy remains humble then he could become a great.

"We did Milan a favour seeing as we have a relationship of collaboration with them and that they do have a few problems in midfield."