Cerci’s first words were: “The words of the president were very emotional. I know he has been waiting for me for a long time. It is an honour to be here, a very proud moment. When I knew about the negotiations I was at the Maldives with my future wife. I had a bit of time to think about it because I wanted to take my time, and then I chose Milan. It is an honour to be here, my goal was to come here and I am heppy to be here.”
“I have to do what I am best at and what has brought me this far. Everyone knows I prefer to play on the right. I have to create a numerical advantage and the team plays a perfect game for my style. I have get back to full match fitness and then things will happen automatically.”
“I hope to receive a good welcome in Turin, I gave everything for the team (Torino), that is what I expect. I expect a slightly different reception from some but my conscience is clear, I gave 100% on the pitch.”
“I love Torino. Petrarchi and Ventura are trying to bring in the right players. They have brought in some interesting players, then we know that Italian football is difficult at the beginning and in future we may talk about other players. I have a tattoo dedicated to Torino so I could never celebrate against them, the club and team will always remain in my heart. This summer I wanted to stay in Italy and my priority was Milan but my future wife let her instincts get the better of her. She understood she had made a mistake but it was too late. But her mistake was an emotional one. It was difficult for me, I was always available and willing to come here. You can say whatever you want but I am here at Milan and I am happy to be here.”
“I am at the top of my game and being watched by everyone. I did really well with Ventura but the imortant thing for me is the belief from the team. I have to work to play my best. I have a good feeling because the coach wanted me a lot. The team is disappointed about the defeat because we were leading, we can only look foward. We were a little depressed but we must keep our heads high against Torino. We must react and play a good game. I feel good because I trained well in Madrid. Physically I feel good but I am lacking match fitness. Let’s hope to play as soon as possible. Torino are a good team, with a great coach so we have to go into the game with the right attitude, playing our game. There are 4-5 teams fighting for 3rd place, we have great players, the atmosphere is a good one. We are Milan, we mustn’t be afraid of anyone.”
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani revealed some details about the process that led to the signing:
“He has signed a contract until June 2016. To use his words he has taken the long way round but he has finally arrived. Last year 37 games and 13 goals, the year before that 35 games and 8 goals. We tried to sign him this summer, then he went to Madrid but then this chance came up two or three days before Christmas and we wrapped it up quickly. We are happy. He was a target and we followed him for a long time. It was a long trip between Ibiza, Madrid and Milan. We hope that he stays beyond June 2016. Welcome Alessio!”
“We were on an upward curve, we were playing well also in the first 30 minutes. We hadn’t underestimated the game. Milan had started well, until their equaliser. We hadn’t conceded many shots on goal and then we did concede on the only corner kick against us. They did well to take their chance. Like against Palermo. Yesterday we could have moved up and been two points off third place. We have beaten both Lazio and Napoli who are in third place. I believe the squad is competitive because against the big teams we have have collected good results.Wwe have to bounce back right away on Saturday and then in the Italian Cup. We have many games and we really must bounce back but the team have already shown the right spirit. Until they scored we hadn’t suffered but then the game turned on its head. Nobody is leaving Milan, if it isn’t against our knowledge. We have a great relationship with De Jong, it’s important he comes back. Yesterday we had three players suspended who will be available on Saturday.Abate is recovering, I think the squad will be bigger against Torino than it was against Sassuolo.”