Omari Hutchinson, Milan’s new signing, was officially presented by the Rossoneri club at the AC Milan Flagship Store on Via Dante in Milan.
How have your first few days in the Milan environment been?
“They’ve been going well. I just had to settle in very quickly. At the moment, I’m staying in a hotel and I’m trying to find an apartment. With the group, it’s been fantastic. The coaches are really helping me and they all speak English, so it’s been easy for me so far. My teammates are great too. Everyone is trying to help me integrate as quickly as possible. From a footballing point of view, I think the manager is trying to ease me in gradually, to get me used to the group and to sitting on the bench so I can understand the game. So yes, from that perspective, it’s been quite calm," as relayed via Milan News.
What has surprised you most about these first few days? Hutchnison replied:
“The fans. I’ve been struck by how passionate everyone is about Milan and how hungry they are. They want to win and see their team succeed.”
Do you prefer scoring goals or providing assists?
“It depends. Sometimes I like providing assists, it gives me joy, but scoring also gives me a lot of confidence. So I’d say both. You have to do both things: to be a better player, you need to be able to do both. So I try to do that as much as possible.”
How did the opportunity to join Milan come about?
“I think the manager simply wanted me. I believe he spoke to the club’s management, and they were also very interested. It was quite straightforward because I played against Amorim in the match against Manchester United. I think he was really impressed with me and said he needed a left-footed player in that position. He said I fitted his criteria, so it wasn’t too difficult.”
Do you remember that goal you scored against Amorim? Hutchinson said:
“Yes, I remember the goal. As I said before, I did well in my first match against Amorim. He said I impressed him, and I think that’s very important. Since I arrived, he has been helping me a lot and he speaks to me often. He has been really exceptional with me.”
Italian football is very tactical...
“That was the first thing Amorim told me when we first spoke on the phone. He said I would have to break down defences because sometimes teams will play in a low block. I think I have the qualities to do that and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch.”
Hutchinson, on whether he already followed Serie A:
“To be honest, no. Obviously, I saw the teams on FIFA, sometimes I watched the highlights on Instagram and things like that, but now that I’ve moved here, I’ve seen a lot more and I’m ready to play in the league.”
Do you feel the responsibility of having to replace Leao?
“Not really. I think we play on two different sides of the pitch. He is a left winger, while I’m on the right, but obviously I want to have the impact he had when he was doing well here. I believe in myself and I have a job to do.”
