Stephan El Shaarawy has promised that his injury struggles are behind him and that he is ready to return to being a protagonist for both Milan and Italy.
The 21-year-old endured a miserable 2013-14 campaign with a majority of it spent on the sidelines struggling to overcome a foot injury.
However, having taken a full part in pre-season training this summer, the striker is optimistic of where 2014-15 may take him.
“The injury is a closed chapter,” El Shaarawy has assured in the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
Stephan El Shaarawy has promised that his injury struggles are behind him and that he is ready to return to being a protagonist for both Milan and Italy.
The 21-year-old endured a miserable 2013-14 campaign with a majority of it spent on the sidelines struggling to overcome a foot injury.
However, having taken a full part in pre-season training this summer, the striker is optimistic of where 2014-15 may take him.
“The injury is a closed chapter,” El Shaarawy has assured in the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“I have recovered fully and am ready to go. To start again to play football as a protagonist is the greatest desire I have ever had in my life.
“The foot does not give me any more problems, I have a huge desire to return. Is there much pressure on me? It does not bother me. Indeed, it motivates me.
“Although I have been out for a long time I feel a lot of confidence and belief towards me. I intend to repay it all.
“I reply to the pressure by setting myself the target of returning to being important for Milan and to recapturing my place with the national team, regardless of who will be the CT.”
The Rossonero is preparing for the new season under Pippo Inzaghi.
“He has an incredible spirit of sacrifice and he is transmitting that. His desire and his charisma is helping a lot.
“In these early weeks he is asking more for attitude than tactics. He transmits an incredible enthusiasm and this is his best quality.
“What has he asked of me in particular? To take care of the details off the field, such as eating and hours of rest. Things to which I give a lot of value.
“Playing in a 4-3-3? You all know, it is my favourite. There are prerequisites for playing a great season.
“The goal can only be to return to the Champions League, and so finish in the top three. This group deserves it and in the eyes of my teammates I see the right determination.
“If we are a true team, we can dream. The secret of it all is a united team.”
It’s been a difficult pre-season so far, though, in terms of results.
“I understand that the fans are disappointed, but I can assure them that the playing philosophy is there. It just needs a little patience.
“I am convinced that we will be ready in late August. I have a lot of confidence – I see the right spirit and commitment on the part of everyone.”