Alessio Romagnoli feels “at home” at Milan, and wants to play in the Champions League “as soon as possible”.
The centre-back was appointed as Rossoneri captain in the summer, and will face his first derby with the armband against Inter on Sunday night.
“It’s also a head-to-head game for the Champions League,” Romagnoli pointed out, speaking to La Repubblica.
“But greater responsibility gives me more motivation rather than more pressure. I’m proud, it’s up to me to live up to it.
Alessio Romagnoli feels “at home” at Milan, and wants to play in the Champions League “as soon as possible”.
The centre-back was appointed as Rossoneri captain in the summer, and will face his first derby with the armband against Inter on Sunday night.
“It’s also a head-to-head game for the Champions League,” Romagnoli pointed out, speaking to La Repubblica.
“But greater responsibility gives me more motivation rather than more pressure. I’m proud, it’s up to me to live up to it.
“I made my Serie A debut against Milan [for Roma, despite being a Lazio fan], so looking back maybe Milan was in my destiny. That’s something I’d never had said.
“I like the city, the only thing I miss is the sea in Nettuno. Maybe I’ll hang a picture on my wall.
“I’m happy with my teammates, [Coach Gennaro] Gattuso and the fans.
“I was happy to have offers from the Premier League, but I feel at home here. Milan will get back to winning, it’s a solid club. We’ll fight to qualify for the Champions League and to progress in the Europa League.
“Before there were so many risks and rumours about the ownership, but no there’s a desire to invest and Leonardo and [Paolo] Maldini transmit serenity. They know the world of Milan.
“Now we have one more year of experience on the pitch for our young players, and some new important players.
“The Champions League? I want to play in it with Milan as soon as possible.”
Romagnoli then turned his attention to Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.
“It’s the most technical derby in recent years. Inter have more experience and they made it to the Champions League.
“We’re more ambitious than last season, we’re just behind them in the table and we have to get used to fighting to go as high as possible.
“Gattuso always tells us never to be satisfied and we trust him, we know he’s always behind us.
“On Sunday we’ll need to be free but also have the right sporting fury. We need to show personality and not be afraid.
“We’ll play our own game, building from the back, and try to concede as little as possible. We’ll play to win.”
Many are billing this match as Gonzalo Higuain vs Mauro Icardi.
“They’re among the best in the world,” Romagnoli said.
“Higuain has scored more goals, but Icardi is at home in the box and you can’t be distracted for even a second when a cross comes in.”