Today, Alphadjo Cisse attended a press conference at Coverciano, alongside former Rossoneri player Liberali, with whom he played at Catanzaro in Serie B.
Here are his statements, as relayed by TMW.
What are your feelings after the last few months?
"I always want to show my qualities. I have experienced some very intense months and I hope to experience many more like these."
On Liberali's strengths and weaknesses?
"In terms of his style of play, his through balls. The final pass is one of his best qualities. As for a weakness, I would say he is a little sensitive."
Did you expect to be the top scorer among Italian players?
"The injury last year was a difficult moment, but I dealt with it well. I had a strong belief that I would arrive at Milanello and show my qualities, and that helped me a lot. The decision to join Catanzaro in 2025 was very simple. Polito and Aquilani wanted me, and it was the right choice. I needed playing time."
What is your position?
"I can play anywhere in attack. As for my specific position, I don't know if it's better to say, but I like playing in all positions."
What was it like arriving at Coverciano?
"It's great to be here. It's a great responsibility. There will also be an opportunity to get to know each other over the coming days."
What was your experience at Milan like?
"My team-mates welcomed me very well. Of course, there is a big difference between Serie B and Serie A. Aquilani? I owe him a lot. He taught me so much and gave me a lot of confidence. I feel sorry for him, but he will certainly have a great career as a coach."
You are more about talent than physicality. Is anything changing?
"Quality is always important. Many young players are now coming through in Italy, and people are trying to give them more confidence."
Do you dream of winning the Scudetto? Cisse replied:
"For Milan, winning is the priority, whether it is the Scudetto or any other competition. Winning is the norm, and no competition can be overlooked. At Milan, you have to win everything."
Is there a coach to whom you owe something more?
"Every coach has left something with me. Aquilani had a big influence last year. Mancini? He welcomed me and told me to train well. Baldini helped me a lot, even though I only worked with him for two weeks. He left me with a lot."
Who has impressed you the most at Milan?
"Modric would be too obvious... I'll say Gila."
Are you aiming to start at San Siro against France?
"The coach will decide. I am someone with a lot of ambition, and being here with the national team is a source of pride."
What kind of challenge do you expect against France?
"They need no introduction, but Italy always aims to win. Qualification must be the norm for Italy."
Who do you look up to?
"Without a doubt, Balotelli. He has always been a point of reference for me with the national team."
Cisse, Do you feel ready to be a key figure here straight away?
"I like pressure, and I believe I have broad shoulders enough to handle it. There are important players here, including those who have won the European Championship, and you have to respect them. Things must be done one step at a time. The first thought is making my debut, and then we will see."
