Mario Mandzukic explains why ‘ambition’ drew him to Milan, reuniting with former teammates and matching ‘beast’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 34-year-old Croatian wore the Juventus jersey from 2015 to 2020, but is feeling a little rusty with his Italian, so preferred to give the interview to Milan TV in his native tongue.
“There are various reasons why I chose Milan. It’s an historic club and fully satisfies my ambitions. We all know what Milan represent.
Mario Mandzukic explains why ‘ambition’ drew him to Milan, reuniting with former teammates and matching ‘beast’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 34-year-old Croatian wore the Juventus jersey from 2015 to 2020, but is feeling a little rusty with his Italian, so preferred to give the interview to Milan TV in his native tongue.
“There are various reasons why I chose Milan. It’s an historic club and fully satisfies my ambitions. We all know what Milan represent.
“I worked hard lately to earn the call from an important club like Milan. I’ve trained a lot recently and those close to me know how much effort I’ve put in to ensure I’m ready to challenge for trophies, so Milan needn’t worry about my fitness levels.”
Milanello also represents a reunion for some of Mandzukic’s former teammates.
“I am happy that Simon Kjaer is here, as I’ve known him since Wolfsburg and we had a good time there. He has proved with his performances that he is a pillar of Milan.
“I called Ante Rebic a couple of days ago and told him I was coming.”
Mandzukic will represent the understudy to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but there’s no reason they couldn’t also play together.
“I’ve been following Zlatan’s progress since I was very young and I’m happy to finally be in the same team as him. We are both hungry for success.
“He’s still a beast on the pitch and I will try to be the same. I think we’ll do very well together.”
Milan are top of the Serie A table and need just one point to be guaranteed the title of Winter Champion.
“A club like Milan always has big objectives and ambitions. I am accustomed to that, so it’s no problem, that’s why we play football. I am here and will give my best for Milan.
“It’s a special club. You just need to say Milan and everyone knows what you’re talking about. The history of Milan is incredible, great champions have played here. The whole world is fascinated by Milan and I can’t wait to get started.
“My message to the fans is always the same: I will give my best. I’ll try to defend the Milan colours in every game, I can assure you of that 100 per cent.”
Image: @acmilan
"I'll try to defend these colours in every game" @MarioMandzukic9's first thoughts in Rossonero
L'intervista del nostro nuovo numero è sulla nostra App: https://t.co/k2zluibzhx #ReadyToUnleash #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/VM5umUD9Wk
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 19, 2021