AC Milan's centre-forward Luka Jovic, has presented himself to the media in a press conference today. Here are the Serbian striker's words:
"It is a great honour and a great satisfaction to play for such a big club. I will do everything to achieve the goals. There were contacts at the beginning of the summer, then the situation developed differently. My desire was to come here. I was waiting for Milan, I turned down all the other offers."
On contacts with Milan years ago...
"Yes, there were contacts years ago. Maldini contacted me three years ago when I was at Real Madrid, but things didn't fall into place. But now I'm here."
What can you learn from Giroud? Jovic said:
"Giroud is a great player, he is France's top scorer and has played for big clubs, always with great success. I'm sure I can learn something from him every day, and I will work hard to do so, in order to replace him when necessary in the best possible way."
Did Rebic tell you anything?
"I was with Ante in Frankfurt. We spoke when I arrived here, he wished me good luck and told me some very nice things."
What happened on the last day of the transfer window?
"I was ready to stay at Fiorentina, but I waited for Milan to come: I'm very happy."
Is this your last chance? Jovic said:
"This is a big step forward for me from Fiorentina to Milan, it's a higher level. At Real, I had a slump, things didn't go the best way, but now I'm part of one of the best clubs in the world. I hope to be lucky and return to my old levels."
Why did you only perform well in Frankfurt?
"If I knew this secret, I would still be scoring more today. Everything went according to plan that year: Hutter gave me a lot, the team gave me a lot. I hope to do the same with Pioli."
Are you ready to be a starter?
"I would need some time, but I don't know how much time I have. I'm not at 100% physically, so I'll have to work very hard to be ready for the matches. I've started working following a special program, I do a bit more than the rest of the team, some things less."
What did Pioli tell you?
"He told me he believes in me, I have to listen to him. He told me he's sure we'll have an excellent collaboration. It's a great pleasure to work with him, I've been welcomed very well", said Jovic.
What didn't work in your career?
"I wouldn't say that something didn't work... Last year, I didn't score many goals, but I hadn't played for 3 years, and I expected a season with ups and downs. 13-14 goals and 5-6 assists: it's a good performance for someone who hasn't played for three years. I will try to improve these numbers."
What does the Milan jersey mean to you?
"As a child, I was a fan of Milan. My father and my friends were Milan fans, it's a dream come true. I hope to contribute."
Your father's name is Milan...
"My dad and my mom sacrificed a lot for me, they did everything so that I could be here today. As a child, I trained with him. I believe he is happy like me. We talk every day, and he tells me 'My son, work. You are where you need to be.'"
Can you handle the pressure? Jovic said:
"Absolutely yes. In football, there is pressure, things change quickly from game to game. At Milan, you always have to fight with pressure. I don't think I'll have any problems."
