Tiémoué Bakayoko is finally back to Milanello on a 2-year-loan deal from Chelsea. The player presented himself today in a press conference to the media. Here are his statements:
"It's true that I have a very good relationship with the fans. At the beginning it wasn't very easy, but as the months went by, I gained more confidence."
On his last game with Milan:
"My last match with Milan was against SPAL. nfortunately it's a bad memory because we almost managed to reach the Champions League, but failed.Now Milan are much stronger than back then and I am very happy to be here and have this opportunity."
Did you talk with coach Pioli?
"I spoke with the coach who has just communicated to me in a serene way. We know very well that in football, everyone must earn their place in the squad. I will do my best to contribute to the improvement of the team."
On Paolo Maldini:
"It's true that Paolo Maldini and I have a great relationship. He helped me a lot at the beginning of my experience in Milan. He's a fantastic person."
On having many French players at Milan now:
"I remember when I first arrived to Milan, I was the only Frenchman. Now, however, it is very different. There are many more of my compatriots and the team is much stronger. I can't wait to play together with all the other players."
On his stay at Milan:
"I would definitely like to stay here, I feel a great attachment to this club. Milan is like my home and I will do everything to win trophies with this shirt."
On having moved on several loan deals already:
"I have reached a point in my career where I need stability. Now the goal is to stay in a club for several years and I believe that Milan is the right club for me, I will do everything possible to make that happen."
On the relationship with Franck Kessié:
"Kessié and I were happy before together. But, it's been two years now and so many things change. As for his future, I hope that he remains here."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"Zlatan and I talked yesterday in training. His personality is known to everyone and we must look to him as an example. I am very happy to play with him and learn from him."
On playing for Gattuso and now Pioli:
"My style of play shouldn't change much between coach Gattuso and Pioli. I haven't received particularly different instructions yet.
On trying to win the Scudetto with Milan:
"You already know the club to beat for the Scudetto. Milan finished second in the championship last year, but were close to winning it. I'm sure we can fight. We must work match after match and evaluate ourselves."
Are you better off in a two or three midfield?
"My performances will be the same, I don't play alone but together with a team. The coach will choose the gameplan, I will always give my best".
On last year's negotiations to sign for Milan:
"Last year there were some negotiations, but I don't honestly know how far they went. However, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that I'm here."
On playing with two former teammates at Chelsea:
"I have spoken with Tomori and Giroud before I arrived here. They also called me on FaceTime. They wanted me to join them here."
What have you missed the most about Milan in these two years?
"I missed everything, Milan, the people, the club, the fans. I have often returned to Milan with my family over the years, I am happy to be here."
What can you find in Milan that you haven't had in your career yet?
"I want to try to be happy at Milan and try to win as many trophies as possible."
