Alessandro Florenzi looked ahead to the upcoming season, underlining Milan’s ambitions and their rivals’ work in the transfer window.
The Italian full back joined the Rossoneri on loan from Roma last summer and he quickly carved out a spot for himself in Stefano Pioli’s squad, proving to be a fairly reliable and consistent option who could slot in when necessary. Milan decided to make his stay permanent last month, paying €2.7m in the process.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Florenzi first discussed his summer and final departure from Roma.
“This summer was quiet, with holidays and work, until the news of my stay at Milan, which made me happy. I left Roma with regret, but it’s my past, now I’m focused on the Rossoneri. I’ll always thank Roma.”
He then commented on the work of the other top Italian teams in the summer transfer window.
“So many teams have improved, we deservedly won last year and we want to repeat that. It won’t be easy, everyone will play at their best to beat the reigning champions.
“We must not make predications, otherwise we won’t get anywhere. We’ll start with Udinese, then think about one match at a time.”
The Italian reflected on why the Rossoneri won the Scudetto last season.
“There was team spirit, 26 players pushing on the same side, we weren’t the strongest but the strongest don’t always win. Everything went right, we overcame adversity all together.”
The 31-year-old touched on Milan’s goals in the Champions League next season. Last campaign they were knocked out in the group stages.
“In the league we want to try to earn the second star. We have to have big goals and dream big. In the Champions League we want to improve on last year, many weren’t ready, not qualitatively but mentally.”
Florenzi commented on the importance of veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the younger players.
“The youngsters have grown up. Origi will give us a lot, he’ll make himself respected, and up front in terms of experience and quality we’re complete, with three players who can have their say on all fronts.”
The 31-year-old full back discussed the changes he’s gone through over the last few years.
“A lot of changes, when I left Rome for other cities it wasn’t really my choice. But it has to be said that in three years I have seen countries and cities I would not have thought of visiting.
“Paris, Valencia, Milan. I’ve acculturated myself and experienced things I didn’t think I would. My goal at the beginning of my career was to always stay at Roma, it wasn’t possible and I took the best of that, I learned other languages and grew in terms of life.”
He touched on how he’s felt since joining Milan.
“I’ve been happy, I’ve been welcomed well by the city and my teammates.”
Finally, Florenzi discussed the strengths of new arrival Yacine Adli.
“You have to let him work quietly and give him his time. He has great qualities, the coach will have to get something out of him.
“He has settled in so much, he introduced himself in Italian and I hope he can give us a hand.”
Acculturated. What a great word.
Honestly how on earth is this guy a right back – couldn’t even play as a dmc – he’s far too slow, average in stamina , cant tackle
Mohamed, do you watch Milan?
Since January, he hasn’t had a bad game. He stood out with his performances. Great offensive contribution and works tirelessly.
All Milan fans are happy he’s remained. Calabria was incredible the season before last, but unless Calabria improves on last year, Florenzi would actually deserve to start..
@Mohammed not sure which sport you watch, but definitely not football
@Tony add to that Calabria at least knows how to send a decent cross. I am still waiting for the first good cross from Calabria…
@tony and @putuco – florenzi is super slow, and cant do anything – just like phil neville – useless – find it funny how u lot think he’s good – even cuardado is miles better and he’s just average.
Watch him get ripped apart in the CL and then league, he cant handle 2 90mins games a week – not at the top level
He’s a squad player and a very useful one as he has shown. He won’t ever have to play twice a week.
As an aside, Phil Neville had 263 appearances for Man United when Man United were a decent team. That’s about 23 appearances per season for 11 years. A very good squad player.