Riccardo Sottil speaks to the media in a press conference to present himself as the new Milan signing.
Here are his words:
"First of all, I want to thank Fiorentina, President Commisso, Director Pradé, and Raffaele Palladino because they allowed me to take this very important opportunity for me. I also want to thank CEO Furlani, Ibrahimovic, and Moncada for believing in me. I had a soft spot for Pato, there's no need to even mention Zlatan because when he was there, along with Pato and Dinho, I grew up watching that Milan. It’s a passion I've had since I was a child."
When did you find out about Milan's interest, and how did you react?
"It was a long day. I was at the training ground when my agent called me after practice, but I didn't answer right away. Then Giuseppe Riso told me there was a chance to join Milan, and I was left speechless. I talked to my dad, who had already known since the morning, and at the very last moment of the transfer window, I managed to get here. Fear of the deal not going through? I felt a bit anxious and waited at home on the couch, but thank God it worked out as I had hoped."
What do you expect from this adventure at Milan? Why did you choose number 99?
"When you're at Milan, at a club like this, the expectation is to win. I'm here to make myself available to my teammates and the coach, and I want to prove that I can stay here. 99 is the year I was born."
How much does the competition with high-quality teammates stimulate you, and what has impressed you about joining Milan?
"When you arrive, you understand the greatness of the club in all its details, both on and off the pitch. You join a club with top-level players, and when you get here, you compete, grow, and improve in every aspect. I had a quick chat with the coach—he asked me how I was physically. But I'm at his disposal; he will know when and where to use me, and I'm ready to play."
Have you spoken with Yacine Adli about Milan?
"I had spoken with Adli when he arrived at Milan. Two days ago, he sent me a message saying, 'Make me dream.' I thank him because he's a great guy."
What is your preferred position on the field?
"I've played multiple roles in attack, mainly as a right and left winger. If I need to play on the right, I’ll play there; if I have to play on the left, I’ll play there. No problem."
What can you take from Rafael Leao's game? Sottil commented:
"Rafa is an incredible player—you learn a lot from someone like him. He has immense talent, and you have to try to absorb his movements, his tricks, the way he moves. He’s a champion and had an extraordinary season when Milan won the Scudetto."
When you attack the opponent, you're very strong, but the coach will also ask you to defend a lot.
"In modern football, you always have to play both phases. Even if you're an attacking winger, you have to help the team. To win, everyone has to do it, and I want to contribute in both phases."
How important will a teammate like Kyle Walker be?
"He's a champion, he's won everything, and when you see him arrive at the training ground and go straight to the gym to work, then you have to do it too. You realize how much work goes into becoming a champion."
What was it like to come on alongside João Félix, Santiago Giménez, and Rafael Leao?
"I felt a great emotion because when San Siro screams your name, it gives you an incredible boost. I dreamed of this as a child, and I want to give my all for this jersey and these fans."
What do you think about Milan's greatness?
"When you enter Milanello, you can feel the history and everything they have won. You see photos of champions, Ballon d’Or winners, and celebrations of Serie A titles and Champions League victories. When you play football, it's these champions who ignite that fire inside you. I am truly very, very happy.
