Milan Samuel Chukwueze explained the main difference between the style of play in Serie A and in LaLiga during a post-match interview at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he is currently representing Nigeria alongside fellow Italian residents Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Chukwueze also revealed that he was taken aback when he first stepped foot inside Milan’s club museum at the time of his signing in the summer.
Milan paid a reported fee of €28m including add-ons to secure Chukwueze’s services from Spanish outfit Villarreal at the end of July. He has since gone on to make 19 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions, scoring twice from four outings in the Champions League.
Asked by reporters whether he prefers Serie A or LaLiga, Chukwueze replied (via Calciomercato): I prefer both. In Spain, everything is done on the ball. In Italy, everything is more physical, it’s a question of adapting. For me, it’s a new challenge, I’m learning, but I have to continue working to adapt.
The 24-year-old then spoke about how impressed he was when he first arrived in Milan in the summer.
“When I was in the museum, I saw the seven Champions Leagues, the Ballon d’Ors, it was a fantastic feeling because Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a big profile, where van Basten, Kaka, Shevchenko played.
“There is a little bit of pressure and everything, but for me it is a dream come true.
Chukwueze is also determined not to return from the Africa Cup of Nations without a trophy to show for it.
“I can’t leave Milan to come here and not win a trophy, I really need it. I want to make my country proud and I don’t want to waste my club’s time for nothing. I have to fight for my position and win.”