New Milan signing Yacine Adli admits he is an ‘atypical midfielder’ capable of filling many different roles, but George Weah told him to study Roberto Baggio for inspiration.
The creative midfielder turns 22 later this month and was purchased last summer for €8m plus bonuses, but left on loan at Girondins de Bordeaux for one more season to help his development.
Last term he contributed one goal and eight assists in 36 Ligue 1 matches for the club, mainly in the trequartista role behind the strikers.
Because he knew that the Milan move was happening for a year, he has already learned to speak some Italian, impressing reporters at his presentation press conference.
“I watched Milan’s games closely last season, seeing great strength in the team spirit. I tried to focus on Bordeaux, but always had Milan in my mind. Now I am here, it feels like being part of a family that works together to achieve results,” said Adli.
“I am capable of playing in several different midfield roles and the coach is trying me out in different positions. It is important for me to play, regardless of the role.
“I realise that I am something of an atypical midfielder, but I am good at picking the final pass and combining with teammates. I am here to work and learn.”
Adli reveals he got some very special advice from a former Milan legend, centre-forward and now President of Liberia George Weah.
“I trained with George Weah’s son at PSG and Weah told me to look at Roberto Baggio as an example, because I could learn so much from him, so that’s what I did. Icons like Baggio and Zinedine Zidane are untouchable, so we must observe and admire them, but not think we can replicate what they achieved. We just want to learn and improve ourselves.”
Milan are Serie A reigning champions and Adli knows the pressure is on to follow that unexpected achievement.
“A team like Milan must always aim for the Scudetto, although Serie A is a difficult competition. We will try to defend the title.”
Unlike many 22-year-old football players, Adli believes it is important to give back to the community and has a charity foundation helping young people in difficulty to improve their lives.
He also plays the piano and earned the nickname Mozart, although he joked that was partly “due to the hairstyle.”
this kid looks humble and ready to work. Hope he can become a great player
“He also plays the piano and earned the nickname Mozart, although he joked that was partly “due to the hairstyle.”
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Wow, the man is also a cultivated guy… that’s cool, the more intellectually refined a player is, the more potentially intelligent on the field he can be. Hope he will do good with us.