Noah Okafor was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport directly from the United States. Here are the words of the new number 17.
First impressions on AC Milan:
"There's a great atmosphere here, the team is fantastic, and things are going really well with the coach. I signed for Milan not long ago, but I am very happy, and I am really confident about the future."
Are you ready for the Scudetto?
"Yes, because a footballer who doesn't want to win... is not a footballer. We have a strong team, and I hope to win the Serie A right away. To do that, you always need energy, sometimes you lose games, but you learn from defeats. And besides, I hate losing."
On the reason for choosing Milan:
"Because they wanted me a lot. In the fall, I played against Milan in the Champions League, and since then, we've stayed in touch. Of course, I had other offers, but for me, it was always clear. The fans, San Siro stadium, everything: it's a new step for my growth."
On his background starting from his parents, Nigerian father, and Swiss mother:
"I have been to Nigeria only twice, but I was younger then; it's been a long time. My father arrived in Germany when he was 17, then he went to Switzerland. From him, I learned to be happy, to smile, to transmit positive energy, and to fight hard for my goals."
On the tattoo "be your own hero":
"Because I believe I can decide every day what I want to do. It depends only on me; I am in charge of myself, and I know what I want. The tattoo comes from this thought. I want to give my best in both training and matches. Always train hard to take the next step and improve."
Okafor reveals he is still working with a mental coach:
"Yes, I think it's essential for a young player. With this life, we always have pressure on and off the field: talking to someone is really important to me."
On Rafael Leao:
"Yes, Rafa and I are like twins: both of us dribble very well, we are young, and we share the same humor. We talked for the first time after a match between Switzerland and Portugal, then we exchanged messages after the double clash in the Champions League, and we were also opponents at the World Cup. We have a good relationship, and I can't wait to play with him."
On his currentl physical condition:
"I'm fine; I've been out in the last few weeks, but I will be back with the team from the next one."
Behind-the-scenes of the deal:
"Milan stayed in touch with me for 6-9 months; the contacts became more intense in the last two weeks. They saw that I was doing well, then everything was done in three-four days, and... here I am."
Reason for choosing the number 17:
"7 is my favorite number; in fact, at Salzburg, I had 77. Here, 7 was taken by Adli, so I chose 17, which is Rafa's old number. I like it."
Okafor on his Milan idols:
"Milan is a great club with a great history. It had many stars, great players, but even now, we are very strong, young, and hungry. If I have to choose, I say Ronaldinho, Kakà, and Gullit. I am still young, but I want to help this team make history again."
His playing position:
"I can play on the left, on the right, and as a center forward. I'm flexible. I have to adapt to a new country, with a new tactic and new teams, but I've already been through that with Salzburg. I try to be open with my teammates and the staff; I am really happy to be here."
On defeating Maignan and Kalulu on the goal scored against Milan in the Champions League:
"Mike told me it was luck because the ball passed between his legs, but there's no discussion about the dribble on Kalulu; I meant to do that. And then... a goal is always a goal."
