David Odogu, the new AC Milan defender who was brought on in the last summer transfer market day from Wolfsburg, spoke to the media in a press conference:
"The first days have been excellent, really a very warm welcome. I want to stay humble, learn, gain experience by working hard, and improve day by day."
How will we get to know you?
"I’m a central defender, a defender. I like protecting the goal, competing in duels, keeping clean sheets, leading the defense. I want to be aggressive, physical, and have the mentality to win every match. Off the pitch I believe in God, and I like practicing other sports like tennis."
Can you tell us your first memory of Milan? Odogu replied:
"My first memory of Milan is about Maldini. He’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Milan, along with other legends like Baresi, Nesta, Gullit. Another one is Boateng, who was born in Berlin like me. Also the stadium. Yes, there are many things, but Maldini is the first."
Did they contact you before or only on the last day?
"During the transfer window no one told me anything directly, so it was a surprise for me. 24 hours before I got a call from my agent who told me about this opportunity. I’m very happy, as well as surprised."
You were born in 2006 when Italy won the World Cup in Berlin: was this country in your destiny?
"In 2006 I wasn’t able to watch the World Cup, but I know Italy won it in Berlin, so it might be a nice coincidence that I was born the same year the national team won in Germany."
Germany won the U19 World Cup with you as a starter.
"The U19 World Cup was a great experience. Playing with other champions gave me confidence to compete with top players. It was a big tournament, we won it, but now I need to show I’m at the level of players like Cubarsí, Estevão, who I faced in that competition."
Do you have the ambition to be a starter at Milan as a 2006-born player? Odogu said:
"I’m young and I know it, but that’s my goal. I came here to play regularly and show that a young player can do it in a short time. I don’t have much experience but I know my qualities and I know I can compete with great players, week after week, otherwise I wouldn’t have signed for a club like Milan. I want to work hard and do everything possible, and Milanello has everything to make me ready soon."
The lack of hype around you, does it motivate you?
"That motivates me. When you arrive at a big club you know there’s pressure and high expectations. I know how to handle it, and this is a big motivation, especially on the pitch. I’ll let my performances speak for me. Now I need to work hard."
What did Allegri tell you?
"I’ll be ready for every task the coach gives me. I’m grateful he is my coach because I know he works very well with defenders. I don’t care if it’s a back three or a back four. I’m very happy to work with Allegri because I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him and his staff."
In these first days, what impressed you most about the Milan world?
"Everything. Everything is so big and professional. Now I understand what it means to be in a club like this, super organized. Staff and players are very professional and take care of me. They are helping me, especially with my Italian, and I’ll also take lessons. Everything is wonderful here."
Were you surprised by Milan’s call?
"It wasn’t surprising. I’ve always been aware of my qualities, but I’m very grateful and happy that the club believes in me. Now it’s time to show my qualities and repay the trust."
What goal do you want to set?
"As a team we want to win everything. We want to work together and get the best out of this season. That’s why I’m here, to help the team. On a personal level, I want to show my qualities and help the team as much as possible this season."
They often compare you to Rüdiger...
"I’m grateful for the comparison. I want to be aggressive, a leader on the pitch. I want the mentality to defend my goal. I’m thankful for the comparison, but I want to play with his same mentality to reach my goal."
Are you curious to meet Mike Maignan? Odogu replied:
"I’m very happy. He’s one of the best in his position, a leader, a captain. I’m happy to learn a lot from him. He’s a great goalkeeper and I’m happy to play with him."
Do you know you could enter Milan’s history because winning the Scudetto would mean the 20th?
"Yes. It could be a special year, and I hope to get the best out of this season."
