Milan's new full-back Leonel Vangioni calls Paolo Maldini his model: 'But I wouldn't dare compare myself to him'.
The 29-year-old's decision to join the Rossoneri as a free agent at the end of his contract with River Plate was known as early as last February.
Now he is in Italy, enjoying the new experience, and he recently gave one of his first extensive interviews to the local Press.
Milan's new full-back Leonel Vangioni calls Paolo Maldini his model: 'But I wouldn't dare compare myself to him'.
The 29-year-old's decision to join the Rossoneri as a free agent at the end of his contract with River Plate was known as early as last February.
Now he is in Italy, enjoying the new experience, and he recently gave one of his first extensive interviews to the local Press.
“My name's Leonel with an e, not like [Lionel] Messi,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I'm 29 and I felt ready for an experience in European football.
“I play on the wings and I already said that [Paolo] Maldini was my inspiration. But let's not overdo it, he's a model for me, but not someone I'd compare myself to.
“When they spoke to me of Milan I immediately thought of their prestigious name and its meaning. It's a globally famous club, from Italy all the way to Argentina, and I didn't need to come here to know its importance: the name is self-sufficient.
“As soon as my father called, I accepted right away. Milan is a great dream come true. In Argentina, being here and playing for this team means a lot.”
Vangioni was then asked to describe himself as a player.
“I'm a defender who likes to press forward very much. I used to be a winger, a midfielder. Then I changed to a position further back, but I still have a predisposition for the attacking phase.
“Here I'll learn how to defend even better, but I'll keep thinking about the attack. I want to create assists for [Carlos] Bacca or whoever is in the box, that's my favourite part.
“Maldini? Here in Milan his photo is at the museum, which tells you what an extraordinary career he had. He is the club's highest symbol. I saw many videos of his games and his triumphs.
“As I said, I wouldn't compare myself with him. Maybe I resemble Cafu in some ways, but he was a really great player too.
“I can promise the utmost sacrifice and effort for this team. I'd like for people to keep speaking of me in Argentina as a winner, so that others may be motivated to follow me.”