Charles De Ketelaere expressed his excitement at joining Milan during his unveiling today, noting that he was always keen to join the club.
The 21-year-old Belgian forward signed a five-year contract with the Rossoneri earlier this week following a long set of negotiations with Club Brugge. Milan had to fight off stiff competition from Leeds United, but eventually they managed to secure their man following a number of tense meetings with their Belgian counterparts.
Speaking at his unveiling, De Ketelaere first discussed what he expects from his time with Milan.
“I really like the passion of the fans, it is for them that we play football. I’m ready to follow the pace of training at Milanello, I’m used to it, I just have to get used to a higher level.”
He reflected on how difficult it was to wait for the move to the Rossoneri to be completed.
“The last few weeks have been difficult. You know what happened, I always expressed my desire to my agents to go to Milan. I had to give up something, but the most important thing for me was to get here.”
The 21-year-old was not concerned about how his name was pronounced.
“My name has been said in more ways than one. It is not so important to me how you pronounce it. I don’t have a nickname.”
De Ketelaere suggested that the presence of so many young players in the Milan squad did make a difference.
“Yes it played an important role, I have seen how the young people here have grown. I hope it will be the same for me.”
He spoke about the comparisons made between him and Kaka.
“Kaka was a great player, I’ve seen a lot of his videos. I have my own characteristics and qualities. I hope to bring the same successes to Milan that he brought.”
The 21-year-old touched on how the first few days in Milan went.
“There are so many differences compared to Belgium. Here in Milanello I was surprised by the intensity of the training sessions, I understood immediately how they won the title. I see everyone very involved.”
The Belgian forward commented on the welcome he received from his new teammates.
“I’ve only had a few training sessions, but everyone has welcomed me well. They are interested in how I play and how I look on the pitch. I am discovering this new reality, but the feelings are absolutely positive.”
De Ketelaere discussed a conversation he had with director Paolo Maldini.
“For me it was an honour to have spoken with him. He is a legend of this club, but even now he plays an important role. The Milan project was also fundamental in my choice, I was very attracted to the project.”
The 21-year-old spoke about his qualities on the pitch.
“Technically I have good qualities, I give a hand in finishing and providing assists. I am a dynamic player. Position-wise, I have played multiple roles.
“I see myself as a trequartista, I like to play next to another forward, I can also be a false 9. I feel like an offensive trequartista.”
Finally, De Ketelaere discussed how he feels working closely with veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I can learn a lot from Ibra, who has so much experience in football. I can also learn a lot from other more experienced players. Having Ibra by my side will be a great thrill.”
‘I always expressed my desire to my agents to go to Milan‘
This…this is what its all about! You can buy players for quality – some immediately settle, some take some time and some just don’t work out. What you can do though is train them and provide them with the environment to excel. What you can’t buy is desire and will. The will and want to play for the club. That has to come above everything else.
Well said Rosario.
It’s incredible to realize that his new teammate Ibrahimovic has been playing professional football since before De Ketelaere was even born…