Charles De Ketelaere is preparing for the World Cup in Qatar with Belgium and learning from Kevin De Bruyne, but insists he is ‘happy with the decision’ to join Milan, even if his start has been slow.
The 21-year-old was the biggest investment of the summer for the Serie A Champions, purchased for €32m plus bonuses from Club Brugge, and with a 12 per cent cut of any future sale.
He has made only 18 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri, contributing one assist, and looks increasingly short on confidence as the season wears on.
“Milan is a big step for me, I am very happy with my decision to come here, but there are many factors to be considered,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“In football terms, I still need to improve in various ways, but I am really very happy with the way things are going. Milan is a lovely city, unfortunately I haven’t seen as much of it as I’d like, but I am not here to be a tourist.”
De Ketelaere has 10 senior caps for Belgium with one goal and is part of the squad going to the World Cup in Qatar.
“Playing for Belgium was my great childhood dream, it’s wonderful to have achieved it so young. We have a lot of talented players in the squad, some of the best in the world, so we youngsters try to learn from them.”
Among the talents he is working with is Manchester City star De Bruyne, who already has 93 caps.
“I always admired De Bruyne, both for his tactical role and his elegance, someone who makes playing football look so easy.
“Playing in the World Cup is a dream come true. I know I have to get there through my club performances, but I will try to give my contribution to the team.”
Like De Bruyne, De Ketelaere has largely been played in the trequartista role for Milan, sitting behind the strikers.
However, his versatility means he can also be used on the right wing or even as a centre-forward.