Nigel de Jong 'Proud' of Interest From Manchester United Manager Louis van Gaal

AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong admits he is proud to have received interest from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal - but wants to remain at the San Siro for the rest of his career.

De Jong, formerly of Manchester City, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window as Van Gaal looked to bolster his midfield resources.

But when the 29-year-old opted to remain in Serie A, United clinched a deal to sign his compatriot Daley Blind on deadline day.

Having spurned United's advances in the summer, De Jong is now ready to commit his long-term future to Milan.

"If many people like him [Van Gaal] respect me and recognise what I am doing, then I can only be proud," he said.

"I want to stay at Milan and I repeat that I want to end my career here.

"Milan is a club with a history and an extraordinary tradition – if they cannot finish first then they must always fight to be in the top three.

"I know it is tough, I know that there are many teams as strong and organised as we are, but we have to try.

"At what point will there be a new contract? I know that the club has contacted my agent and there is an appointment for next week."

De Jong's declaration signals the end of United's pursuit of the midfielder, whose current deal at Milan expires at the end of this season.

As part of Van Gaal's Dutch World Cup squad, De Jong featured five times in Brazil as he became a key member of the side which eventually finished third.

Meanwhile Blind has wasted little time adapting to the rigours of English football, producing a stellar performance on his first start for United in the 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.