Nigel de Jong admits Juventus represent Milan’s first real test of the season, whilst he confirms contract renewal talks.
The midfielder has begun the season well for the Rossoneri, as they head into Week 3 to host Juventus rejuvenated and on maximum points.
For the Netherlands international, facing the three-time consecutive champions should not be overwhelming.
Nigel de Jong admits Juventus represent Milan’s first real test of the season, whilst he confirms contract renewal talks.
The midfielder has begun the season well for the Rossoneri, as they head into Week 3 to host Juventus rejuvenated and on maximum points.
For the Netherlands international, facing the three-time consecutive champions should not be overwhelming.
“No. But only if we continue to hold the great confidence that has come to the group after the first two games, and the extraordinary faith in our means,” De Jong has considered to Il Giornale.
“Juve have won the League title in each of the last three years – we do not have to discover them. In the Champions League they won and with conviction.
“To have the chance of success we must begin fighting from the first minute.
“Will it be the first real test for the new Milan? Certainly, but it will also be for them.
“Who would I take out of the Juve team if I could? It would be Tevez. I have known Carlitos well in Manchester and he is a true warrior, he is a crucial piece of the current Juventus.
“How will Max Allegri be received by supporters? I do not know and do not care much – this is a topic just for you journalists.
“What matters is the end result and the three points to win against Juve, if we are to succeed.”
Reports have focused in recent weeks on potentially difficult contract renewal talks between the player and his club, but he is calm.
“I want to stay at Milan and I repeat that I want to end my career here. Milan is a club with a history and an extraordinary tradition – if they cannot finish first then they must always fight to be in the top three.
“I know it is tough, I know that there are many teams as strong and organised as we are, but we have to try.
“At what point is the new contract? I know that the club has contacted my agent and there is an appointment for next week.”
De Jong has notably started the season strongly where others who represented their nations at the summer World Cup have struggled for form in Serie A.
“If the World Cup gave me anything, it gave me a charge. And when I got to pre-season training I was already pretty ready to start again.”
The 29-year-old was asked for a word on Pippo Inzaghi’s impact as Coach.
“He is different, very different from the other Coaches I have had in my career. In some ways he can be likened to a young Van Gaal.
“He expresses a lot of energy, continues to speak, to pound, to think again as a player.”