Benfica midfielder Adel Taarabt admits he's long hoped for a return to AC Milan.

Taarabt played for both Milan and Genoa in Serie A.

“When I think of Italy, I think of Milan," Taarabt, now 31, told Sky Sport Italia. “It's a top club where I had the opportunity to play with great players like Kakà.

“It was a pleasure, I enjoyed myself and I think I did well. I was very sorry not to continue my adventure with the Rossoneri because my head was still there.

“If Seedorf had stayed, the story might have been different because they brought in Inzaghi, who had a different idea of football.

“In the following years, I didn't have the opportunity to come back, even if I would have liked to."