Nearly two months have passed since the injury suffered against Girona. Emerson Royal has been sidelined since then, while Milan has found its new starting right-back in Kyle Walker. But what is the current situation regarding the Brazilian?
In January, his move to Turkey seemed all but finalized. To clarify the matter, the player's father and agent, Emerson Zulu, spoke exclusively to MilanNews.it.
How is Emerson Royal doing?
"He's doing well. Of course, he's disappointed about the injury, but now that his return is near, he's excited. The setback came at a less-than-ideal time, but injuries are part of the game, and the goal now is to come back stronger."
Did you expect to face such difficulties in these first few months in Italy?
"Every transition comes with challenges: a new country, new people, a different culture. Despite the similarities between Brazil and Italy—since our country has more than 30 million Italian descendants—adaptation takes time. The pressure is always there, whether from the fans, the media, or agents. But Royal handles it well; he has strong emotional control."
In January, a move to Galatasaray seemed imminent, but it appears it fell through due to Emerson’s injury. What can you tell us about that?
"For us, there was never a concrete negotiation. We never believed it would happen and knew little about it. It was just a rumour that surfaced and quickly disappeared."
In January, Kyle Walker arrived, another right-back like Emerson. How do you see this competition?
"We view the signing positively. It’s essential to have more than one player for that position. Besides, Royal isn’t just a right-back—he's versatile, a true tactical chameleon, capable of adapting to different roles on the pitch."
What are the next objectives for Emerson Royal?
"The goal is clear: to do what is expected of Royal—contribute, give his best, and help the team win titles."
A message for Milan fans?
"Patience, resilience, and heart are essential. Pressure is part of the game, and often, we are our own harshest critics. But the fans’ support is crucial. For Royal, wearing this shirt means commitment and passion. It’s in his DNA, and he loves Milan."
