Cheick Diabate wants to stay in Italy regardless of Benevento’s Serie A status and “can’t wait” to face Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci.
It kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It’ll be very emotional playing in such a prestigious stadium as San Siro,” the Mali international told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Cheick Diabate wants to stay in Italy regardless of Benevento’s Serie A status and “can’t wait” to face Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci.
It kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It’ll be very emotional playing in such a prestigious stadium as San Siro,” the Mali international told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I grew up watching Ronaldo at Inter and even when he played for Milan, so that’s why San Siro intrigues me so much.
“I’ve always scored many goals, especially in France with Bordeaux, so I am honestly not surprised at my good form in Serie A. Perhaps it’s strange for those who didn’t know me and to see me playing for the team at the foot of the table.
“The level of defending in Serie A is still very high. I’ve only encountered strong opponents and tough markers so far. I can’t wait to take on Bonucci…
“Things are going well, as (Coach Roberto) De Zerbi’s style of football gets the best out of my characteristics. They call me ‘Cheick No Limits’ and I intend to put no limits on myself.
“My favourite Serie A goal so far was the lob against Sassuolo, that was tres chic.”
Diabate has bagged seven goals in seven Serie A games for Benevento, only starting four of those, including a brace in the 4-2 defeat to Juventus.
“That doesn’t happen every day, putting two past Juventus, but I came here to help save Benevento and that day we didn’t pick up any points.
“When Benevento called, it was an important opportunity, as I had ended up on the margins of the Osmanlispor squad and I knew Benevento were already about to sign players like Sandro and Bacary Sagna.
“I met President Vigorito and he told me he wanted to try everything to stay in Serie A and I was convinced by how much he cared about the club. The President is the real Top Player.
“It’s a very difficult mission, but I won’t give up. The squad is united, even in difficult times. Until we are mathematically relegated, we have to attempt a miracle.”
Diabate is only on loan from Osmanlispor, but is likely to be sold in the summer.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I would like to stay in Italy. I am happy here, the climate is great, so is the food, and obviously the football.
“I love to dance too. I’m very shy really, but dancing allows me to let it all out. Sometimes I even dance in the penalty area…”