New Milan defender Filippo Terracciano opened up about his emotions after signing for the club, how it felt to play at San Siro and why he chose the shirt number 38.
The 20-year-old Italian right back joined the Rossoneri from Hellas Verona on Monday in a deal worth around €4.5m plus €1m in add-ons, penning a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club. He is the latest young talent to join Stefano Pioli’s squad in the Lombardy capital.
Terracciano is a product of Hellas Verona’s youth system and made 41 appearances for the first team over the last three seasons, showing his tactical flexibility and potential on the pitch.
Speaking to Milan’s media department, Terracciano first discussed his initial impressions of the club.
“These are very positive emotions. I was welcomed in a fantastic way and so far, everything has been really very nice.”
He touched on the club’s recent history of developing young talents.
“I saw that many young people are having space here, I’m happy to see so many young people playing, and I hope to be able to play with them too.”
The 20-year-old spoke about his role on the pitch.
“I started playing as a midfielder, this allowed me to always do the two phases, offensive and defensive, so from there I started to carry out more functions on the pitch.
“Then I was adapted to full-back and over the year I’ve held various other roles, and I must say that I adapt quickly. I have this flexibility, for any role I’ve done I’ve had a very quick adaptation period.”
He commented on his objectives at Milan.
“The main thing is to help the team and make myself available to the coach. My father told me about Pioli in a positive way, that he is a very simple person, and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Terracciano discussed how it felt to play at San Siro for the first time this season.
“It was the first time I played at San Siro. The stadium is really very important and therefore I’ve already felt very strong emotions playing against Milan, so I can’t imagine what it’d feel like to play for Milan.”
The 20-year-old revealed his sporting idol.
“It has always been Cristiano Ronaldo as a child. Then over time I took Kobe Bryant as a model of inspiration, for work ethic and many other things. I have him as a point of reference.”
He explained why he chose the shirt number 38.
“My number was 24, especially for Kobe and it’s taken. I also chose number 38 when speaking with Udogie who is now at Tottenham, I grew up with him and we went through the entire youth system together. I did it for him, this choice.”
Finally, Terracciano introduced himself to the Milan fans.
“Hello to all the Milan fans, I can’t wait to get on the pitch and fight for this shirt.”