In his second season with the Rossoneri, De Winter has found a coach who, for the time being, is placing a great deal of trust in him.
The Belgian has started every match so far this season, featuring in all six games, and has never been substituted. In an interview with SportMediaset, Koni spoke about his relationship with Amorim, his dreams and much more. Here is everything he had to say.
You have started every match since the beginning of the season, six out of six. What has Amorim seen in you?
“That is a question you should ask the manager. I try to do my job and give everything for the team. I try to be physically and mentally ready for every match. It is the manager’s decision to put me on the pitch, and like everyone else, I try to give my best and help the team.”
Has there been a particular moment when he spoke to you and told you something specific? Did he ever make it clear how highly he rates you?
“From our very first conversation together, in Jakarta, he said that I was an important player for him. I can feel his trust in every training session and every match. That feels really good for me as a player.”
What has Amorim brought to the team that is new?
“He has brought enthusiasm and a desire to spend time together and work hard together. To laugh and joke around, but also to train hard, run and work for your team-mate. I think you can see from the outside, too, that this is a group that wants to be together and fight for one another.”
Is he strict during training? Does he get angry?
“I think he is a very down-to-earth manager. You can talk to him, he talks to you, and he is very approachable.”
Against Lecce, we saw a back four. How does that change things for you defenders? Do you prefer it?
“It was something the manager wanted to try. I think we were playing well with a back three, too, but the manager is the one who makes the decisions to win matches. We won against Lecce, so I think he made the right choice.”
You have never explained why you chose the number five shirt. Is there a reason?
“There is no particular explanation (smiles, ed.). It was available, so I chose it. I like playing with ‘low’ numbers. I had number three, then number four, and now number five. I was told it had been Costacurta’s number, but I chose it without any particular reason.”
Would you like to become the new Costacurta?
“I did not get to watch him play the way you did, but I have heard his name mentioned a lot.”
Let me put it another way, then: would you like to become the new Vincent Kompany?
“Yes, definitely. I would like to become an important player like the names you have mentioned. I think that is every young boy’s dream when he starts playing football: to leave his own mark on the history of the game.”
Your father was a huge Seedorf fan. Is it true that he wanted to name you Clarence rather than Koni?
“Yes, that is right. It is all true. He told me a couple of years ago. I did not know why, but it was nice when I arrived at Milan. Seedorf left a tremendous legacy here. Sometimes strange things happen in life, but it is really nice.”
You are very aggressive on the pitch, but off it you seem very calm and composed. Do you transform into a different person? Koni replied:
“Very calm depends on who you ask (smiles, ed.). If you ask my family, they will tell you something different. It is true that when I am out with people I do not know, I prefer to keep a low profile and stay out of the spotlight.”
And in the dressing room, who has the shortest temper?
“We have lively characters like Diego, and Chukwueze is always making people laugh. We have quite a few characters in the dressing room.”
You have been in Italy for many years, ever since you were 16. Do you feel Italian?
“I feel Italian, but obviously I will always feel Belgian and Congolese, too. I really love Italian culture and the people in Italy. They have always made me feel very welcome. The food is wonderful, and so is the climate. I like the way Italians live and the pride they have.”
Would you like to become a Milan legend and spend your career at the club, even though that is difficult in modern football?
“Of course. For me, Milan is a club that belongs at the top. Plenty of players would sign up to stay at a club like this for many years.”
You have trained alongside many great players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric. Who do you think is better in their respective position?
“That is difficult because they play in different positions. But... what can I say? They have both had wonderful careers. Cristiano is better at scoring goals, but Modric is better at playing football. That is my answer.”
If Milan win the Scudetto, would you be prepared to cycle from Milanello to Casa Milan?
“Yes, of course. When I was younger, I used to go on cycling trips with my father that lasted as long as two days. Cycling is normal in Belgium, so yes. Why not? (laughs, ed.)”
