Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sat down with Emerson Royal at Milanello to talk with the media in a press conference about the Brazilian's transfer. Here are the former striker's words:
Was there always confidence in the negotiation to sign Emerson Royal?
"Before we start, I want to welcome Black Panther Emerson Royal: we've been following him for a long time, but we brought him in at the right moment. A physical player, both offensive and defensive: he plays with a lot of intensity and grit. With Emerson, we become even stronger. He was one of our targets from the start of the transfer window, and finally, he's here today. This is the fifth day of the seven that God created. We're happy and energized."
About Gerry Cardinale:
"Gerry is in town; we had meetings yesterday and today. We're discussing various things. Nothing new. Gerry wants us to spend more, but I say no, we spend what is needed to strengthen the team."
On Pierre Kalulu and the right flank:
"We need to talk to him and find what's best for him. I can't answer today. We need to understand what's best for him and the club. I'm sorry Florenzi got injured, but with Emerson, we have an additional reinforcement for the team. Emerson was very eager to join."
Is it reasonable to expect two more signings, given that today is the fifth day?
"It doesn't mean that two more players are coming. Building a team isn't just about who comes in. We'll see. We're not in a hurry; everything is under control: we have our objectives and the strategy we're following to strengthen the team. Always with the profiles we seek."
Will there be additional defensive signings?
"What we want to build is a compact team. Offensively, we are compact and strong; I don't see any movements. Defensive part with Emerson, Pavlovic... We'll see, maybe there's room for something extra. We're working on it."
Is the sixth day for a midfielder?
"It could be: we want to build a team as compact as possible."
How is the summer going? And thoughts on Armand Duplantis (a well-known Swedish-American Pole Vaulter) with the Milan shirt?
"A lot of work, busy but it's enjoyable work. Day by day, I learn many things: when you work with strong people, you become strong. There are many things to do, but I like the responsibility. Congratulations to Duplantis for the record: I have nothing to do with the shirt; he's a Milan fan. He's a great representative of Sweden: when I stopped, someone had to carry on the work because football died in Sweden after me..."
Is Emerson Royal better in defense or attack? Ibrahimovic replied:
"The choice of Emerson was simple. He was the right profile. A balance between attack and defense. If you look at Fonseca and the identity, a profile like Emerson is perfect. If I have to choose: in my world, I prefer him to be more offensive. But the important thing is that he can do both phases. We play to attack, we’re not on the field to defend results."
A thought on Silvio Berlusconi:
"When we talk about Silvio Berlusconi, he's a person I care about a lot. The first time I came to Milan, he made me happy: I had a lot of respect for him. I'm sorry he's no longer here, but he remains in our memory. Tonight, we play the Trofeo Berlusconi, a tribute to him. I always try to carry and convey what he taught me: to me, he was great, and we’re here thanks to him; he was Milan. Everyone has respect and gratitude towards him."
