Junior Messias signed for AC Milan coming from Crotone. The player is 30 years old, but proved to the Rossoneri managers his worth as they have been impressed with his talent since last season.
Today, the player's press conference presentation takes place as he introduced himself to the media. Here's how the Brazilian started:
"Being at Milan is the height of life. If you ask any kid in the youth sector if he wants to play for Milan, no one would say no. This shirt has an impressive history. There are so many components to put together. So much talent is not enough, so much work is not enough."
On joining AC Milan and going to Milanello:
"Arriving at Milanello is an emotion that one feels few times in life. I am very happy to be at Milan."
On the past Milan team which had many Brazilian stars:
"To say there were only Brazilian stars in the past of Milan is difficult because there were also the Italians like Gattuso and Maldini besides Dida and Kakà. Then there was Shevchenko. That Milan team was a dream. I here to play like a true AC Milan player. The rest is over now. I don't feel the responsibility of being Brazilian. I'll try to do my best, do what I know how to do. I don't have to overdo it to prove where I come from."
On speaking with coach Pioli:
"I've already talked to the coach about the role: I'll play wherever he wants. I am originally a winger, but I can also play as a playmaker."
On Milan's chances to win the Serie A trophy:
"In my opinion, this team could have won the Scudetto last year. I watched the Milan friendly games and we play aggressively. This year we will try."
The fans expected a bigger name to join them...
"I understand that the fans after all these years without Champions League were waiting for an important name. I don't have to speak, the pitch will speak for me instead."
On Ibrahimovic:
"In this group here, there is Ibra who is an example for everyone. Every day I have to see what he does and learn from him. We have one of AC Milan's legends here with us, and that is Zlatan."
On Messias' progress and growth:
"I have matured a lot. Arriving here at 30 is different from arriving here at 22/23. There is another mind, if I am here at this age it means that it was deserved".
On his dream at Milan:
"My dream is to win the Champions League with AC Milan."
On the interest from AC Monza:
"There was the interest of Monza, but also of other teams. When Milan is involved, however, nothing else matters. I believe that the managers have studied my skills deeply to bring me here."
What do you think of Milan's upcoming matches?
"I can't wait to take the field, I like playing important games".
How much desire do you have to impress the San Siro with your style of play?
"Fans do like fantasy, and I hope to to ignite the San Siro soon."
