Atalanta sensation Franck Kessié models himself on Yaya Toure and described being watched by big clubs including Inter, Manchester United, Chelsea, Napoli, Manchester City and Juventus.
The 19-year-old midfielder is in his debut Serie A season, but already scored four goals with one assist in seven appearances.
Tomorrow afternoon his Atalanta side host Inter at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia, having already beaten Napoli here.
Atalanta sensation Franck Kessié models himself on Yaya Toure and described being watched by big clubs including Inter, Manchester United, Chelsea, Napoli, Manchester City and Juventus.
The 19-year-old midfielder is in his debut Serie A season, but already scored four goals with one assist in seven appearances.
Tomorrow afternoon his Atalanta side host Inter at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia, having already beaten Napoli here.
“It’ll be a great match and I can’t wait to play it, as Atalanta need points to improve our standing,” Kessié told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“Inter are a strong side and won the Champions League only a few years ago, so it will be an honour to face them. When you are against champions like that, you can’t get anything wrong.
“If I have to choose an Inter icon, I’d pick Javier Zanetti. I know he doesn’t play anymore, but I loved him when he was on the pitch. I might ask him for a selfie before the game.”
Kessié has already attracted interest from some huge European clubs, including Inter, Monaco, Sevilla, Napoli, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Milan and Manchester United.
Above all, he has been called ‘the new Yaya Toure’ due to his shared characteristics with the Ivorian.
“I do the military salute when I score a goal to remember my father, because he was in the military and died when I was 11 years old. He was an ex-player in the Ivory Coast and, like me, he was a midfielder.
“I have football in my DNA thanks to my Dad. I am the youngest of seven siblings, so I have three brothers and three sisters. I’m the only one who plays the sport.
“I model myself on Michael Essien and Yaya Toure. It’s a real honour to be compared with Toure and I played alongside him for the international team. The first time I found him by my side was really emotional. In terms of speed of execution and ability to score, Yaya is the Number One.
“My dream is to one day reach a big club and win the African Player of the Year Award. Are big clubs after me now? I am not interested in this, as my agent and the club take care of everything.
“I came to Italy at the age of 18. I am happy in Bergamo, Atalanta is like my family and the food here is fantastic. I can’t resist pasta.
“I never encountered any type of racism in Italy and I hope I never will.”