AC Milan's latest signing in the attacking department is Divock Origi. Today, he released these statements to the media in his first press conference:
"With Liverpool at the San Siro, I felt the history and culture of the club. And When Milan scored I felt a great push from the fans, it was an honor to play at La Scala. We felt the alignment between fans, players and coach."
Divock Origi on the Rossoneri's path:
"I followed Milan's path last year, the important goals that Giroud scored, for example against Inter. They are part of the continuity of a process, we forwards have to give everything, right from training."
On the reason behind choosing Milan:
"We had some contacts towards the end of the season, but I was focused on Liverpool. I immediately understood how important. For me, it is an honour to be part of the AC Milan project. This Club has a legacy that has been handed down from generation to generation. Being able to bring my qualities to the service of the group is an honour."
Which AC Milan player from the past you appreciate in particular?
"There are many players who have been part of the history of Milan. It is difficult to name a single name, I am thinking for example of Van Basten, Sheva and Inzaghi. I have to learn from them, but making my own path. But I don't just look at them. My goal is to always improve."
What can you bring to Milan:
"It is very important to have a decisive role and to be a value for the group. For me, the growth process is important, I need to always improve in training and in the game to get to live good times with the fans. We don't know when these moments will arrive, but the goal is to have them with the fans."
How important is it to talk with Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini for you?
"Talking with them was decisive. Paolo is in the football hall of fame and is an example. Massara is having a fantastic career as a manager. These managers have brought important values. I am grateful to be part of this group. I know how important the foundations they have built are, I am honored to be led by managers like them."
How do you feel and when should you be available for coach Pioli:
"Maybe from the outside this story of injuries appeared, but in Liverpool I wrote history on the pitch. The injuries helped me to get to know my body better, I came back stronger. I feel great, I am ready to start this new adventure."
You scored many goals in your career in the derbies...
"I don't know if there is a secret, but I think it's essential to always be ready. I really like special matches like derbies against Inter, but I want to give my best in every match."
Origi on the difference between Premier League and Serie A:
"They are two different leagues. I was lucky enough to play in different leagues, they are all different situations. Italian football is very tactical, there is great competitiveness. In the Premier League, there is greater physicality. I can learn a lot from Italian football."
What does the experience at Milan represent to you in your career?
"I am grateful for my path. I have been at Liverpool for many years and I am very happy with this. It is important to put my qualities at the service of the group. I am here to give my best for the team and for the fans and bring new success at the club. I'm happy with the welcome."
Did you talk with coach Pioli?
"I appreciated the nice welcome I had. You can feel the great cohesion that exists in the group. I talked to Pioli, I can say that we have great enthusiasm to start this journey together. We expect a lot from this journey. Here at Milan you feel the great union there is, the coach has done a great job. I will do everything possible to absorb this spirit as soon as possible."
Do you have a message for Lukaku?
"Lukaku is a great player, I have had the opportunity to play against him and I always like to face great players. It is certainly nice to be in Serie A with so many players with these qualities. It will be nice to play against him."
On compatriot Charles De Ketelaere being linked with AC Milan:
"I don't have to say anything to the managers, they will know how to make the right decisions for the club."
What do you expect from coach Pioli:
"I am happy with my experience in Liverpool, I have experienced great emotions. Now I am ready to open a new great adventure at Milan. The secret is to stay focused to give my best and try to build excellent relationships with everyone. I want to give my best. of myself to write new pages of my history and of the club."
Are you the heir of Luis Van Hege?
"The only thing I can promise is to give my best, to entertain the fans and be able to write many pages of good history together."
On working with coach Jurgen Klopp:
"I had a great relationship with Klopp, we won a lot. Now I'm ready to open another great experience. The secret of a good relationship with the coaches? Giving the best of yourself, as a person and as a player."