New Milan signing Aster Vranckx underlined the importance of youth development in his decision to join the Rossoneri and expressed his desire to prove his qualities.
The 19-year-old Belgian midfielder joined the club on a loan deal with a buy option attached from VfL Wolfsburg on transfer deadline day, adding a talented prospect to Stefano Pioli’s midfield. Vranckx made his debut for the club in yesterday’s 2-1 win over Sampdoria, making a cameo appearance near the end of the clash.
Speaking at his unveiling in a press conference today, Vranckx first discussed what Milan represents to him.
“For me Milan are a great club that have made football history, with many great players from the past. Now I’m here and I’ll train hard to deserve this opportunity.”
He commented on how his Rossoneri debut felt in yesterday’s win over Sampdoria.
“It was difficult, we were down to 10 men. I went in with the mentality of running as much as I could to help my teammates. I gave my best, it was a great feeling.”
The Belgian teenager revealed which player he looks up to.
“When I was young, but also now, I used to watch Moussa Dembele. There are many good players, but Moussa Dembele is one I have always looked up to with respect and admiration.”
Vranckx spoke about the conversation he had with Pioli after the full time whistle in yesterday’s win.
“What we said to each other stays between me and him, it was tactical matters. He always tries to give me advice and help me understand how Milan play.”
The 19-year-old touched on some conversations he had with other Belgian Milan players.
“I know Saelemaekers and Divock Origi from the national team, then I’ve known De Ketelaere for a long time and I called him, they gave me many positive opinions.”
The Wolfsburg loanee discussed which position he likes to play on the pitch.
“If I play in midfield I’m happy, I like playing in defence although maybe a bit more going forward.”
Vranckx underlined the importance of the youth development at the club.
“It was one of the most important reasons why I came here. I really wanted to be a part of it here, I see that there are young talents who are growing well and last year they were also in the Champions League.”
He spoke about the chances of Milan activating his buy option.
“I think about working hard every day in training, when I get the opportunity to play I will try to make the most of it.”
Finally, Vranckx commented on how it felt to hop into a difficult match like the one against Sampdoria yesterday.
“We had to stick together, press and defend together. We had to give our lives to not concede goals, I went in with this mentality and that’s what we did.”
Not gonna lie, when he said Moussa Dembele, my first thought was, WHICH Moussa Dembele?