M’Baye Niang says he has understood the importance of professionalism following his arrival at Milan.
The 18-year-old had a quiet start to life at San Siro, but he has been rewarded for his efforts in recent weeks with more first team opportunities.
M’Baye Niang says he has understood the importance of professionalism following his arrival at Milan.
The 18-year-old had a quiet start to life at San Siro, but he has been rewarded for his efforts in recent weeks with more first team opportunities.
“At Caen people told me that I was too good, that I was a phenomenon,” the striker told France Football.
“After a while, you inadvertently relax and don’t work as hard. You can’t do that here at Milan.
“There are stronger players than me in attack and if you don’t train hard then you don’t play, you just become the sixth attacker.”
Niang added that he believes certain life style changes have also aided his development at Milanello this term.
“I now know that you can’t behave in a certain way at this club,” he added. “Philippe Mexes has talked to me a lot.
“He’s told me to accept punishments and come back stronger, to be perfect in my private life.
“I train hard and, when I go home, I live life as an athlete. It’s no coincidence that today I am playing regularly.
“Something changed in my life, something clicked. When I was 16, I paid no notice to people who said that I should not eat this or drink that.
“I’ll work hard to become the player I want to develop into.”
Niang has one goal in 20 appearances across Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia for the Diavolo.