It was Mike Maignan‘s moment at Milanello: the French goalkeeper, who joined the squad in training following his Euro 2020 experience and a few weeks’ rest was presented to the press. Here are his first words as a Rossonero, live on the AC Milan Official App, the Club’s Youtube channel and Milan TV:
FIRST IMPRESSION
“Straight away, I sensed an amazing atmosphere, I was welcomed really well. There is a serious and professional energy within the squad. This is a Club with massive history, we all have to work hard to do our very best.”
THE NEGOTIATIONS
“It was an honour to receive the call from Maldini and Massara towards the end of a great season for me. Really emotional. I stayed focussed on finishing the season strongly with Lille, but I told them straight away that I was ready for this new adventure. We discussed terms, awaiting also developments on the Donnarumma situation, then ultimately I signed. I was also contacted by Roma, but chose the Rossoneri.”
YOUR CHARACTERISTICS AND ITALIAN FOOTBALL
“My biggest strength is mental, with my concentration, whilst I am also working on bettering my athletic and tactical skills. I am ready to study and learn all the secrets of Italian football. Serie A is a tough league, it will help me to grow for sure. Football has evolved over time but a goalkeeper’s role has stayed relatively similar: you do now need to know how to play with your feet, but stopping shots remains the fundamental aspect.”
FROM GALTIER TO PIOLI
“It’s difficult to compare them. They are two top professionals, who work their teams really hard.”
OBJECTIVES
“We are all here to win, we will aim to do our best but the season will show us what we can do. It will take great motivation and focus throughout the year.”
DIDA AS COACH
“The goalkeepers here have always done a great job, with Donnarumma continuing that. Now, my chance to give my all starts. Dida was a top goalkeeper, he had an amazing career, so I am happy to have him as a coach; I am sure his experience will help me to improve.”
FRANCE
“I am proud of the compliments that Jean-Pierre Papin paid me; I thank him for that, even if it was really thanks to the whole squad’s work that we at Lille were able to win Ligue 1 last year. He was a big part of the Rossoneri’ history. It helps a lot having so many French teammates, especially at the beginning, but we are in Italy and so it will be important for me to learn the language ASAP.”
LOOKING TO THE FRIENDLY AGAINST NICE
“Preparations for tomorrow’s friendly have been very intense. I am ready to play.”
(Photo acmilan.com)