AC Milan's new signing, Christopher Nkunku, gave an interview to DAZN where he introduced himself and explained the reasons behind his choice. Here are his full statements:
Why Milan?
“I think it was easy to choose Milan because it’s a great club, a historic club. The project felt right for me and I can’t wait to start. I think it was the right moment to move here from Chelsea. I’m very happy with my choice.”
What has your first impression of Italy been like?
“For me everything is new, I need to experience it myself. I’m excited to play, to feel the atmosphere, because I think it’s different compared to other countries. I’m happy. I spoke a little with Maresca (Chelsea coach, ed.), he spoke very well of Italy and Serie A.”
What do you expect from this team and your new teammates?
“I want to take it step by step. Right now most of my teammates are away with their national teams. We are training and when they return I’ll start to get to know them and train with them. We have a match in two weeks (one week) and I think every match is important. But right now the key is to be fit and ready.”
How are you feeling?
“At the moment I’m not at my best physically but I’m working on it and soon I’ll be ready to play.”
What is your first memory connected to Milan? Nkunku replied:
“In terms of players, I’d say Kaká, Ronaldinho, also Ibrahimovic. I played with him at PSG, and at PSG and Chelsea I also played with Thiago Silva. I spoke with Thiago and he was happy I joined Milan.”
What did you learn from Ibrahimovic as a player? Have you spoken to him recently?
"That it’s about having more energy and desire to beat your opponent. Not just to win, but to beat him. His career was built on his personality, that’s clear. He taught me to demand a lot from myself in every training session and every match. That’s the mentality you need to succeed."
How do you think your qualities can blend with the other Milan forwards?
“I’m a player who can adapt to others, I don’t have only one style of play. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and build connections with them on the pitch.”
There are several French players at Milan: Maignan, Fofana, Rabiot… Happy to play with them? Have you spoken to them?
“Yes, we spoke even before I came here. Of course, it helps to have many French players, but the most important thing is the whole team, not only the French players. I need to adapt to everyone and that’s easier when there are French teammates. But as I said, the key is to connect with all of them.”
Is there a teammate you’re most curious to play with?
“No one in particular. As I said, the team is the most important thing. Every player has an important role. But if I have to name one, then I’d say Luka Modric. I’ve never played with him and we all know how much quality he has.”
Are you curious to play with Leao?
“We met in the locker room. He speaks French very well, so we can talk together.”
Your last international game was at San Siro against Italy… Is Milan the right place to earn a recall?
“Yes, for sure. I think to be called up for the national team you need to perform well with your club every week. That’s the goal too. But first I need to do well with my new team, my teammates, and in this new environment.”
Tell us about your balloon celebration. Do you buy them yourself or do others give them to you?
“I did it for my son. I remember I was looking at my photos and he was playing with the ball… He always wanted to play with a ball but at the time he was too small to use a real one. So we played with a balloon, and I thought that if I scored I would celebrate that way for him. And I did.”
Will you do it at Milan too?
“Hopefully, but first I need to score (laughs).”
