Former AC Milan Brazilian right-winger, Junior Messias, spoke to La Repubblica about different topics. Here are some of his statements:
"It's nice not to set limits, every time I moved up a category I wondered if I was up to it. It was like that in my first year in Eccellenza as it was in Serie A. I started from amateur leagues and ended up scoring goals in the Champions League."
The Genoa player who is now 32 years of age continued:
"At the Metropolitano, a stadium that is a gem. If we didn't win, we were out: I came on in the 78th minute, scored a header three minutes from the end. I skipped past two opponents and laid it off to Theo Hernandez who played it deep for Kessié's run, and on the cross, I found myself in the right place. I'll remember that goal for the rest of my life, and Milan fans won't forget it either. After the game, I was crying: from 'Uisp' to the decisive goal in the Champions League, a dream! Ibrahimovic came to hug me and said: 'Don't do that, otherwise I'll cry too.' But let's not say that Ibra was moved, otherwise he'll kill me... Those who don't know him can't imagine what an extraordinary character he is. Great humanity and incredible charisma."
Messias added:
"Two or three more great years and then I'll quit. Football wears you out, the 2 years at Milan weren't easy. In fact, they were very complicated at the beginning. There were even fans who threatened me: you'll be in trouble if you come to Milan. They're used to players with an important pedigree, I came from Crotone and until a few years ago I was playing in Eccellenza and Serie D. However, I can say with satisfaction that in the end they appreciated my work."
