Koni De Winter, the new AC Milan centre-back who came from Genoa, has presented himself to the media in a press conference.
Between Belgium and Milan, can we call it a special summer?
"Yes. I signed for Milan and I played for my country. Special, yes."
San Siro is a stage you can make your own after having been there as an opponent?
"Yes, yes. So far, I think I’ve always played well at San Siro. I really like the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere. It’s truly amazing to play in such an environment and in this stadium."
Was the transfer negotiation quick? What convinced you to choose Milan?
"It all happened very fast. I was with my family when my agent called me and told me about Milan’s interest. When a club like Milan calls, it’s really hard to say no."
How has your relationship with Massimiliano Allegri been renewed?
"I spent my first professional moments with Allegri. It’s nice to see him again. My role? Before, I wasn’t happy because he played me as a full-back. Now he can put me wherever he wants, as long as I play (laughs)."
Is it correct to say Milan snatched you away from Inter?
"I’ve always read things, but on my side, there was never anything concrete or serious."
What does the entire defensive unit need to improve on after last season?
"It’s not just about the defense; it’s a team effort. You defend as a team, and we’re working on that. I think the coach is very good at this, so we’re working and we’ll see how it goes."
How heavy is the Milan shirt? What goals have you set for this season? De Winter said:
"Very heavy. It’s a very important shirt, but it’s great to wear it. As for goals, I always put a lot of pressure on myself and set many objectives, but I try to focus on performing well match by match, giving my all for the team and my teammates. Everything else comes naturally."
On his Champions League debut against Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic:
"I didn’t expect it; it was an amazing moment for me. I haven’t spoken with Loftus-Cheek or Pulisic yet. For me, it was a special moment, and now that you’ve told me, I’ll talk to them too."
What did coach Patrick Vieira give you?
"I think the coach provided a foundation, a clear structure for everyone. You could see how much he helped the players, including me. He really helped the team."
What has impressed you most in these first two weeks at Milan?
"Very good. I think here you lack nothing; everything is available. As a player, it’s wonderful to feel that the club does everything to make you feel good. Those are my first impressions."
Do you feel you’ve joined Milan at the right moment? De Winter commented:
"Yes. I think I’ve taken everything step by step, and when I look back, everything has always come at the right moment. This step has come at the right time as well."
What position do you want to specialize in the most?
"For me, I’m a central defender. Of course, I can be placed in other positions and I’ll do it with pleasure, but for me, I’m a center-back and that’s my specialty."
De Winter, does it make a difference for you to play in a back four or a back three?
"No, it doesn’t change much, because I’ve played in both systems at many clubs. I’ve adapted to both, so it doesn’t cause me any problems."
Will your skill on set pieces be utilized?
"I’ve seen the quality of the players’ feet that we have, so that promises good things."
What makes Belgian players so special in the Italian league?
"I don’t think it’s just in the Italian league. I think we Belgians can adapt very easily, and that’s one of our strengths."
