Ricci: "I’ll do my best to repay the trust that’s been placed in me"

Samuele Ricci, new Rossoneri midfielder, gave his first official interview to Milan TV. These were his words:

What are your emotions now that your dream of signing for Milan has become a reality?

"There are so many emotions. I have to say that I’ve never been this nervous as I have in these past few days. It goes without saying that it’s an honor — we all know what kind of club Milan is. The expectations are also high: it’s an important year, and I’ll do my best to repay the trust that’s been placed in me."

What are your goals with this shirt?

"To try to win as many matches as possible — that would be the most beautiful thing: I wear the Milan shirt, such an important club, so you have to always try to give your all."

Over 100 appearances in Serie A, 10 with the national team: do you think you’ve had the right growth path to reach a top club like Milan? Ricci commented:

"Yes, I think it’s the right moment. I spent a few years at Empoli, in Serie B, then I arrived in Turin which gave me the chance to grow a lot. Mister Juric and Mister Vanoli helped me a lot: I have to thank them as well for me being here, and also everyone who’s been part of my career. I still have a lot of things to improve on, but I think this is the right place to improve: you go up against important players, some of the strongest in the world, and it’s the best way to mature and improve. On and off the field I’ll always be myself, very balanced — just as I am off the field, I’ll be the same on the field, and I think I can lend a hand to Milan."

You’ve already played with some teammates who wore the Milan shirt in the past. Have they already told you what it means to wear this shirt?

"The last one I spoke with was Gabbia — I asked him for some info about the various things within the Milan world. We have a great relationship, we know each other from the national team. There are many others, like Pobega… I have a great relationship with all of them."

You’ve played in several roles during your career… In which one do you feel you express yourself best?

"The role of the holding midfielder in a three is the one I feel is most mine, but over the years I’ve learned to play other roles too. I started as a mezzala (right/left central midfielder) in Serie B, then with Juric I ended up playing in a two-man midfield, where more things are asked of you and you have to do everything perfectly. Then I went back to playing as a holding midfielder in front of the defense… The role I feel is most mine is probably that one."

Many important midfielders have been part of this club. Is there someone you followed closely or took inspiration from? Ricci answered:

"The first that comes to mind is Pirlo, obviously the maestro in that role. I used to watch some videos when I was little. Maybe I wasn’t able to see many matches live, but I remember him very well."

Why did you choose the number 4 shirt?

"It’s a number I’ve worn in the past as well with some national teams. I like it a lot, it really suits who I am on and off the field. It’s a number that gives a lot of stability and balance — that’s who I am, and so I chose number 4."

What can you tell us about yourself? What do you like to do outside of football?

"I spend a lot of time with family. During the year I’m always focused on what I have to do on the field: I do everything I can to do a bit more so I can feel better on the pitch."

We saw you were on vacation in Uganda, not one of the usual destinations for a footballer’s holidays. Was the reason for that trip your way of escaping the usual reality?

"I think ‘escape’ is the right word. I’ve been going to Africa for four years now — those who’ve been there know what it means: every time you come back from a trip like that, you bring something with you that enriches you. People who, compared to all of us, basically have nothing, but still always manage to have a smile on their face. I think that’s the most beautiful lesson you take with you."