Yunus Musah admits he ‘never would’ve dreamed’ going from a child growing up in Italy to playing for Milan after a glove-trotting life and career, but admits there are areas where he needs to improve.
The USMNT star jumped at the chance to make the move to Serie A, especially as he had spent much of his youth in Italy.
That was evident too when giving his press conference in fluent Italian, having completed the transfer from Valencia at a cost of €20m including bonuses.
“I am very happy to be here, I can’t wait to play and help my teammates. I’m so happy,” said the 20-year-old.
Musah had already confessed that he spoke to former Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso about the possibility of joining the Rossoneri, so has he talked to him since the deal went through?
“Not yet, but I should call him. Gattuso used to talk to me about what happened here at Milan, he gave me advice on how to play in midfield and with his assistant we joked about me playing for Milan. And then it happened!
“I never would’ve dreamed this. I played for Giorgione, I travelled a lot after that and now I am back here in Italy, what’s more at a club like Milan with such history. I was very happy in Italy, we played a lot of tournaments and when I was hungry I’d go to my Mother’s shop for a snack. I think it’ll help settle in, the fact I already speak the language.
“My brother supports Milan too, so we used to watch games together and I already know a lot about Milan. The squad is full of talented players who have achieved so much in this sport, working with them is a privilege.”
Musah was a specific request from coach Stefano Pioli and was asked if he had some ideas where he’d be asked to play this season.
“The coach is teaching me how he wants me to help the team. I am a midfielder who likes to do a bit of everything, so I can start from deep, dribble forward with the ball, be aggressive in defence. I think that I have the power to surge forward with the ball too. Pioli is asking me to play as a mezz’ala, explaining the positions and how to get into the box.”
After confessing his hero is Yaya Toure, Musah admits there are some areas where he still needs to improve too.
“I can do better in setting up goals and maybe score more too. There is a high level of tactical focus in Italy and that is perhaps something I am lacking, so the coaches are helping me a great deal on that. This is a huge opportunity for me.”