Samuel Chukwueze reveals how Stefano Pioli, Milan fans and Napoli star Victor Osimhen helped make up his mind. ‘If the coach didn’t have a project, I don’t think I would be here.’
The negotiation process took a long time to break down Villarreal’s resistance, as they had wanted €35m, but eventually accepted a transfer at €20m plus up to another €8m in various add-ons.
The Nigeria international had his presentation press conference today, having made his debut in the final minutes of last night’s 1-1 Trofeo Berlusconi draw with Monza, which the Rossoneri won on penalties.
“The fans have been fantastic since I arrived, the best fans I’ve seen so far in my career. When I was with my national team, they contacted me on Instagram and were asking all the time when I was coming, I told my agent to make it happen,” revealed the 24-year-old.
“My teammates have been very welcoming, made me feel at home right away. I can’t wait to start working with them. I’ve already bonded a lot with Yacine Adli, he’s very funny, always looking for trouble, but also very supportive and always there. He’s a lovely guy.
“Noah Okafor and Rafael Leao are close to me and help me feel comfortable to showcase my talent. I can’t wait to work with them.”
Chukwueze admits that the phone conversation he had with coach Pioli was also pivotal in making him decide Milan was the place for him.
“He is a fantastic man. He explained the tactical plan, what he wants from me, why they want to sign me. If the coach called me and didn’t have a project, I don’t think I would be here. He’s a fantastic man, a great coach and motivated me. There are many new players and we need time to adapt, but with time, I’m sure we’ll win Serie A.”
This is also a step up for the winger in career terms and there is no shortage of inspiration from the past at San Siro.
“I remember Kaka’s goal against Manchester United in the Champions League. When I close my eyes, I see Kaka, an amazing player.
“They already told me about the significance of playing at San Siro, teammates spoke to me about the atmosphere. I want to hear the fans chant and that will motivate me to do more.
“Milan is a big club compared to Villarreal. As soon as I arrived at the airport, I saw so many fans and understood that I had arrived at one of the biggest clubs in the whole world.”
Chukwueze has always admitted his main inspiration is Arjen Robben and had his most prolific campaign with 13 goals last season.
“A player grows with each passing year. I want to make history with Milan. I did well in Spain, it is a great opportunity to showcase my talent. I’ve already set my goal, so don’t worry.
“I can’t wait to get started. I think we have the team to beat anyone in Serie A, so meeting Inter, Juventus, for sure we can beat them.
“I didn’t come to watch or earn money, I’m here to win trophies. My work is to play football and write my name in the history of Milan, so that people will remember me in future. I want to make a name for myself and for Milan. I can’t come here and not win. My first priority is to win something, Scudetto, Champions League, Coppa Italia.”
Napoli Capocannoniere Osimhen was another key figure in convincing his fellow Nigeria international Chukwueze to make the switch to Italy.
“He is my best friend, we played from Under-17 to the Super Eagles, so we started together. I asked him for advice about Serie A, he said Milan is a big club, a fantastic club and I’m gonna kill it in Serie A. The most important thing he said was to talk to the coach and make sure he really wants you, so Pioli is very supportive.
“He joked that Napoli should sign me, but I want to go to AC Milan and it will be great when we play each other!”
Amusingly, Chukwueze breathed a big sigh of relief when the press conference finally came to an end.