Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits he expected Josip Ilicic to leave this summer.

However, Gasperini insists no offers arrived for the midfielder.

“He wanted to leave, then he showed up very well at the retreat and trained well," Gasperini said at a press conference. “We made ourselves available, it seemed he could go away from one day to the next, he was preserved.

“Then, all of a sudden, he had no chance, no market requests or anything else and he played against Alessandria.

“I didn't speak to anyone, but me and him spoke to each other. If he's here, he remains an Atalanta player. If he is well, I will let him play, otherwise others will play.

“I only make technical choices. I have always had a good relationship with Ilicic, then in some games I didn't play him.

“I train him like any other player and I will be available to make him look good in the event of a sale."