Milan right back Emerson Royal is a player who has found himself in a fairly consistent starting role this season in the defense. He has made appearances in 18 matches this season with 14 starts in his first year with the Rossoneri.
The Brazilian spoke to Seria A social media channels today in an interview:
When asked on being from the streets of Sao Paulo to San Siro:
"Milan is an iconic team for us Brazilians. Ronaldinho, Kakà, Cafu, Pato, Robinho. They are all great players who have played for Milan. I think they have left a great legacy here, the joyful way of playing that transmits happiness on the pitch".
When asked on playing in the same role as fellow Brazilian Cafu, Emerson Royal said:
"Cafu is a player who has inspired me a lot. Also Dani Alves. Cafu was a very aggressive player in attack, but also careful in defense. Both players are strong in both phases and are great sources of inspiration for me".
On his characteristics as a player:
"I think I'm a versatile player, I can stay more blocked and defend, but also push in the offensive phase. I don't have a real preference between the two. It depends on what the coach asks me to do. If he asks me to help in the construction from the back, I do it. If he asks me to push in attack, I'm ready. I'm always available to the coach".
On Antonio Conte during his time at Tottenham, Emerson Royal said:
"Conte was able to transmit all his passion for football. He helped me a lot to improve my mentality because in training he put us to the test a lot. He always demanded the maximum and it was very important for me because it gave me a lot of confidence".
When asked on Fonseca and his style:
"Fonseca is a coach who wants to attack and press high. I think his way of playing aligns with my characteristics. He's someone who really likes to train, explain and help players grow. We often talk in training about my position, about what he will have to do in the match".
On San Siro becoming home, Emerson Royal said:
"When I saw San Siro full of fans for the first time I got the shivers. At the time I was at Tottenham and we had come for the Champions League. The atmosphere was magical, and from that moment I understood that I wanted to experience it as a Milan player too. San Siro is a legendary stadium known throughout the world, not just in Brazil. Playing at home with this atmosphere is a real privilege".
