Milan's Riccardo Montolivo says he is 'not surprised' to hold the highest number of balls reclaimed in Serie A: 'I've always worked hard.'
The midfielder's return to form is part of the reason the Rossoneri were finally able to beat one of Italy's bigger teams, Stefano Pioli's Lazio.
“I'm happy about that performance,” said Montolivo of the game against the Biancocelesti. “My own game aside, the team did very well.
Milan's Riccardo Montolivo says he is 'not surprised' to hold the highest number of balls reclaimed in Serie A: 'I've always worked hard.'
The midfielder's return to form is part of the reason the Rossoneri were finally able to beat one of Italy's bigger teams, Stefano Pioli's Lazio.
“I'm happy about that performance,” said Montolivo of the game against the Biancocelesti. “My own game aside, the team did very well.
“We must bring that attitude and mentality to all games. This is true for everyone, including those who start from the bench.
“If we win the next three games in a row, the dinner is on me.”
The midfielder currently holds the record for the highest number of balls reclaimed in this Serie A season, with 51 to his name.
“That doesn't surprise me, though it may surprise others. People judge these things out of gut feelings, without looking at the objective data.
“I've always worked on my weaknesses. I've been trying to improve my defensive work ever since I was at Fiorentina under [Cesare] Prandelli.
“I'm pleased we won against Lazio but we still haven't achieved anything.
“As for my conditions, I'm doing better. Yesterday I took part in the tactical training with the team. Today I'm training with everybody else, then we'll decide whether I can start [in tomorrow's game].”