Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan advisor, introduces Alvaro Morata to the media in a press conference. Here are his words:
Why did Milan choose Alvaro Morata?
"First of all, I want to welcome the captain of the European Champions. What we were looking for was a complete striker, present on and off the field. Morata is a perfect example for us: the team is younger than last year. Álvaro will also take on this role off the field, and we will help him assume this responsibility. When someone is new, they don’t know the team and the club, but I’m not worried. He was a captain and a guide at the European Championship; he’s a winner and a champion not only with the national team but also with clubs. He has won a lot, not just a little. On the field, everyone knows Álvaro, and with the new coach and a more offensive game..."
Ibrahimovic added:
"When I spoke with Álvaro, I told him that the best position in this team is for the striker. I just told him to stay focused. In the first press conference, God created the world in seven days: today is day four. We are very excited."
Has this always been an idea?
"Álvaro is Alvaro. I'm sure he will do well, like the names from the past. When we saw the opportunity, we jumped on it right away. To convince him, I told him I would bring him happiness: I know that if you are well off the field, you'll be well on the field. I don't want to have a team that's too good. Álvaro will fit easily into this group; I know everyone is waiting for him: they know who he is and are looking forward to getting to know him and train with him. He is not a player who needs to grow; Álvaro is already at the top and complete. With more experience, he will find it easier to play, but we are 200% sure he will integrate very well into the team. Last year, the executives laid the foundation, this summer we are talking about the details: Álvaro was one of them. We want to create a competitive team: Álvaro has Milan DNA and is a winner. I also want to thank Álvaro's agents."
Where is Milan at this point? Ibrahimovic replied:
"The team is responding well to the work being done. A new coach, a new staff... But they are working well, and of course, every day the identity of Fonseca is coming in, even though he hasn’t had all the players from day one. The Berlusconi Trophy will be another chance to form the team. I’ve already seen Álvaro in shape. Slowly, the team will be complete. After three matches in America with a mix of young players and returning players, I saw Milan well. But results mean nothing. With patience, I'm sure everything will go well. Everything starts on the 17th."
What should we expect from the market?
"We’ll see, we are working. We are following the strategy set from the beginning. If I tell you everything, it’s not a surprise. With the ambition we have, we aim high and want to reach our goals. We are working hard but everyone is motivated."
