New Milan signing Lucas Paquetá didn’t hesitate when called by the club, but expects he’ll need time to “adapt” to Serie A. "It's the right place for me."
The €35m plus bonuses buy from Flamengo flew in on Sunday and began training with his new teammates on Monday, so could make his debut in the Italian Super Cup against Juventus on January 16.
New Milan signing Lucas Paquetá didn’t hesitate when called by the club, but expects he’ll need time to “adapt” to Serie A. "It's the right place for me."
The €35m plus bonuses buy from Flamengo flew in on Sunday and began training with his new teammates on Monday, so could make his debut in the Italian Super Cup against Juventus on January 16.
“I feel very happy and involved in this new challenge. I’d like to thank everyone for their faith in me and hope I can repay them,” said Paquetá in his presentation Press conference.
“Kaka is an idol and was one of the best players in the world. I am only at the start of my journey, but I hope to follow his footsteps.
“Milan are a great club with a great history. When Milan call, especially via Leonardo, that’s huge. An intriguing project was outlined. I spoke to my family and we quickly decided Milan was the right place for me.
“I realise it’s a different style of football and I will have to adapt in order to help my teammates. I watched many Serie A games, it is a very physical and tactical approach, so very different to in Brazil. I’ll pay attention to every detail in order to improve and give my best.
“I started out at Flamengo with the 39 shirt, it was my first at professional level. I’m not superstitious as such, but I like the number and wanted to start this new adventure with it.”
There have been questions over where exactly Paquetá will play in Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan.
“I am a very technical player who likes to understand tactical situations. I see myself as having good fitness levels, but am working on the very important area of Italian football, which is work off the ball as well as on it.
“The position I feel happiest in is midfield, but at Flamengo I was in a more advanced role, even as a support striker. I want to play anywhere the Coach will use me. When wearing the Milan jersey, one must be ready for any eventuality. I want to be ready when called upon.
“Gattuso was a great player and I had him in my PlayStation team! It’s a unique feeling now to have him as my Coach. I hope it can be a great year and that I can live up to expectations.
“When I was young in the Flamengo academy, I tried to adapt to different roles, as I knew I had a better chance of playing. I hope to continue that here at Milan.
“Stepping out at San Siro is a remarkable sensation. I hope to help Gonzalo Higuain, Patrick Cutrone and all my teammates to score more goals.
“Higuain has played for big clubs, I’ve seen him play and even put him in my PlayStation team, so naturally it’s a little more special to see him in training.”