Jan-Carlo Simic, who has played both with the Primavera and the first team this season, spoke to Milan TV about his career so far.
Here are Simic's words:
On the beginning of his career:
"When I was a child, I played near home, my dad was my coach, then I joined a German Serie D team, after the Under 13s, Stuttgart called me, where I stayed until the Under 17s."
On his early years, he said:
"I grew up in Germany, I did all my development there, but at home, I speak Serbian with my parents. Do I feel connected to the Serbian national team? Yes, very much, I started playing for them from the Under 16s, last year we finished third in the European Championship. My dream is to reach the senior national team, I hope to achieve it (goal achieved, called up for the upcoming friendlies, editor’s note)."
On when he found out about Milan's interest:
"I was at Stuttgart for 4 years. I remember I was in the gym listening to music when my father called me and said, 'Milan wants you.' At first, I didn't believe it, but he said, 'No, really, they want to buy you.' I couldn't believe it. I was very happy but also nervous because it's a huge step to change countries where they speak another language, but in the end, I'm glad I came here. Family? I spent the first month in the dormitory, then they also came, it's important to have them here to talk to."
On arriving at Milan, Jan-Carlo Simic said:
"At first, I spoke English with some teammates, then I learned Italian in about a month and a half, I had a lot of free time in the dormitory, so I learned quickly. I arrived when they had already played a few games. I remember the first time in the video area: 45 minutes, which surprised me a lot because things are very good in Germany. Plus, I didn't understand anything, so I decided that, both to play and out of respect for everyone, I had to learn Italian quickly."
On Ignazio Abate:
"Coach Abate is number 1, he showed me how to play here in Italy, he prepared me for the big step to the first team, it's also thanks to him that I was so ready to play in Serie A."
On his first call-up to the first team and the goal:
"I already knew I had to be very ready because it was a difficult situation due to injuries. At the 20th minute, Pobega got injured and the coach told me, 'Warm up,' then after two runs, I entered. An incredible emotion, even now, looking at the photos and videos, I get goosebumps. The goal? I always go up on corner kicks because I'm good with my head, then I saw the ball coming to Rafa, I said to myself, 'I'll try and see what happens.' When the ball came, I couldn't believe it myself, I threw it in and didn't understand anything, I just remember Rafa and the bench hugging me, an incredible feeling. The stadium chanting my name? I didn't even hear it, I just thought of my parents, after the match, I was very emotional in the car with them."
On his mentality:
"I always try to arrive two hours before training starts, then I stay for another two hours to improve on personal things. Serie A is very physical, there are big and strong players, you have to work a lot both physically and mentally. I work to be strong."
On his relationship with Ignazio Abate and Stefano Pioli:
"I have a very good relationship with both. With Abate, I spent more time, he and I have the same mentality, he arrives even earlier than me, he's a great professional. He made me grow and improve, even when I do well, he tells me things I can improve on, which motivates me and makes me always give my best. I also have a good relationship with Pioli, he has more experience, he always tries to make me better on the details, then he trusted me. I will always be grateful to both of them."
On his relationship with the Primavera team:
"In the Primavera, I'm friends with everyone, sometimes we all go out together, there have never been any problems among us. In the first team, I get along well with Thiaw because he's German, but also with Kjaer, who is my mentor and always tries to make me better, he always explains to me the things I can do more. I also have a good relationship with Jovic, who is Serbian: he has incredible qualities, both as a man and a player, he always tries to give me advice."
Jan-Carlo Simic on what he wants to say to European kids dreaming of playing for Milan:
"Milan is a mystery to me because every day I see the logo and I ask my mom if it's true that I play here, it all seems surreal to me. To young people, I only say to have patience and work hard and more than others. I can improve in many things, but I am proud of my journey and where I have arrived."
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