Atalanta striker Andrea Petagna admits it ‘hurts’ him to see Milan struggle but is backing them to “pull through” under Gennaro Gattuso.
Petagna started his career at Milan before joining Atalanta last year, and the 22-year-old made no secret of his affection for the Rossoneri and “great champion” Gattuso ahead of facing his former club on Saturday.
“Gattuso was a great champion and above all an example for young players like me because of the determination he applied on the pitch,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Atalanta striker Andrea Petagna admits it ‘hurts’ him to see Milan struggle but is backing them to “pull through” under Gennaro Gattuso.
Petagna started his career at Milan before joining Atalanta last year, and the 22-year-old made no secret of his affection for the Rossoneri and “great champion” Gattuso ahead of facing his former club on Saturday.
“Gattuso was a great champion and above all an example for young players like me because of the determination he applied on the pitch,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think he’ll succeed in transmitting this desire to those who will play on Saturday. I’ll be returning to the stadium where I started at the age of 17 in the Champions League. It’ll be a great occasion.
“It was the shirt I grew up with, even though I feel like a real ‘atalantino’ now. Playing in these colours and for these fans is special.
“I also feel the trust of the Percassi family, who believed in me at a difficult moment in my career.
“If I scored, it’d be nice to celebrate, but it hurts to see them like that. I’ve been a Milan fan all my life and I’ve always seen them to be great.
“It’s a tough time for them, but I think they’ll pull through. They’ve come out of difficulties in the past.
“Do I dream of a return to Milan? Right now, I’m doing well here and I’m happy. I don’t know if I see myself in Milan’s jersey again. You need to take everything step by step.
“I have to prove my worth in Bergamo. Maybe there’ll be other possibilities another day.”