Teenager Chaka Traore was lost for words after scoring on his full debut for Milan in the Coppa Italia against Cagliari. ‘I still can’t believe it happened!’
The attacking winger only celebrated his 19th birthday 10 days ago, so he could not start 2024 on a better note than with his first start for the Rossoneri and his first goal.
“I wanted to score this goal for such a long time, but I am above all very happy that we won. It was a victory we needed,” Traore told Mediaset after the 4-1 result.
It was rounded out by a Luka Jovic brace and a goal from substitute Rafael Leao, while Paulo Azzi got a consolation for Cagliari.
“I am also pleased with the performance, the coach put his faith in us. I honestly don’t know what to say! It’s such an emotional moment.”
Traore is good friends with Rafael Leao and the Portuguese star gave the teenager a huge bear hug when replacing him on the touchline, lifting him clear off the ground.
“We have Leao, Giroud, Maignan, many champions who help us grow with their advice. I am happy to be part of this squad and we must always honour this jersey,” added Traore.
Although he was born in the Ivory Coast, he has been in Italy since he was a baby and started in the Parma youth academy before moving to Milan in 2021.
When he went to bed last night, did he imagine his first start for Milan would go like this at San Siro?
“To be honest, no! I wanted to help the team as much as I could and then this goal happened. I still can’t believe it happened!”
Sheer joy 😍 pic.twitter.com/z8MVip8RDe
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 2, 2024