AC Milan's new signing Charles De Ketelaere presented himself to the media in a press conference today at Milanello:
"I really like the passion of the fans, it's for them that we play football. I'm ready to follow the rhythms of training at Milanello, I'm used to it, I just have to get used to a higher level."
On the waiting times before finally signing for Milan:
"The last few weeks have been difficult. You know what happened, I have always expressed my desire to my agents to go to Milan. I had to give something up, but the most important thing for me was to get here."
On the Milan project focusing on youth:
"That played an important role for me. I saw how the young people here have grown up. I hope it will be the same for me too."
De Ketelaere on the comparison with Kakà:
"Kakà was a great player. I've seen a lot of his videos. I have my characteristics and my qualities. I hope to bring the same successes to Milan that he brought to the club."
On the number 90:
"I've always had this number at Club Brugge, it has always brought me luck and so I've kept it here too."
How were the first days at Milan?
"There are many differences compared to Belgium. Here at Milanello I was surprised by the intensity of the training, I immediately understood how they managed to win the championship. I see everyone very involved."
On the welcome of the new teammates:
"I only did a few training sessions, but everyone welcomed me well. They are interested in how I feel and how I am on the pitch. I am discovering this new reality, but the sensations are absolutely positive."
Did coach Martinez influence your choice?
"Absolutely not. He knew I would go to a great club where I could play continuously. I want to play as much as possible and show the coach that I deserve to be called up for the next World Cup."
On communicating with his girlfriend about the move to Milan:
"She always agrees with my choices. It will be a great opportunity for her to come here too, but she has to finish her studies first."
De Ketelaere on what Paolo Maldini told him:
"For me it was an honour to have spoken with him. He is a legend of this club, but even now he has an important role. The Milan project was also fundamental in my choice, I was very attracted to the project."
On his favourite role:
"Technically, I have good qualities, I give a hand in finishing and assisting I am a dynamic player. In terms of position I have played more roles. I see myself as an attacking midfielder, I like to play close to another striker, I can also play as false 9. I feel like an attacking midfielder."
Are you ready to be a greay number 10 for AC Milan like Dejan Savicevic and Rui Costa?
"It is important to look to the future and to what the growth of the club will be. I want to participate in this growth, I want to make my contribution. The legends will always remain legends, I want to make my contribution to achieve the desired results."
Is there a player you can't wait to face?
"There are many great players in Serie A. However, I don't focus on one particular opponent, I only have to think about giving my best and helping the team."
How useful will your qualities be in the Champions League competition?
"One of our goals is to move forward in the Champions League. It won't be easy, we have a lot of commitments, but we will do our best to get through the group stage."
Which player inspires you in particular?
"I've always admired Cristiano Ronaldo. At my age, to say that I'm at that level would be presumptuous. I'll do my best to improve and grow", declared De Ketelaere.
What will it be like for you to play with Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"I can learn a lot from Ibra who has a lot of experience in football. I can also learn a lot from other more experienced players. Having Ibra by my side will be a great feeling."
What do you do off the pitch?
"I'm a guy who likes to be with his family. I like to follow other sports too."
Are you ready to play against Vicenza?
"Yes, sure. I can't wait to play a few minutes tomorrow versus Vicenza. The coach told me I'll play for a few minutes, I can't wait."
De Ketelaere on why he chose to play football instead of Tennis:
"I played a lot of tennis, but I also played football a lot. For me, the choice was easy because at that age I liked playing football with my friends. Thanks to tennis, I learned to play with greater concentration and helped improve the coordination."
