Yacine Adli has revealed that he has been closely watching AC Milan ahead of his arrival, and insisted that he is at the club to learn and improve.
Adli has been getting to grips with his new environment over the past few days having returned from his loan spell at Bordeaux, one that was positive from a personal perspective but saw them relegated to the second tier of French football.
Now he has joined his Rossoneri team-mates ahead of what promises to be an exciting but demanding 2022-23 campaign during which the team must try and win the Scudetto again to reach number 20 but must balance that by going further in Europe too.
Adli was presented to the media in his unveiling press conference at Milanello this afternoon, with his comments relayed by MilanNews and translated below.
What impact did Milanello and with Stefano Pioli have?
“I integrated well, I found myself in a family that works a lot, all together, it is a group ready every day to work to obtain the results.”
Are you more of a midfielder or a playmaker?
“I’m ready to get involved in different roles in midfield. The coach is trying me out in different roles. For me the important thing is to play regardless of the role.”
Did you follow Milan last season?
“I have closely observed AC Milan’s matches last season. I have seen a great strength of the group and of the collective. It is a strong and compact group.”
Is there a French player you are inspired by?
“There aren’t some in particular. At PSG I trained with George Weah’s son, and he told me to look at Roberto Baggio as an example because I could learn a lot from him and so I did.”
Among the great French players there is also Zidane…
“We talk about great names. These great champions are to be observed and admired, but without thinking of reproducing what they have done: they are unattainable. For me the important thing is to work and improve.”
What kind of player are you?
“I’m an atypical midfielder, I can play this role in different positions. I’m good in the last step, I know how to communicate well with my team-mates. I’m here to learn and to improve.”
How was last season at Bordeaux?
“It wasn’t easy, I tried to stay focused on Bordeaux. I always had Milan in my head, I wanted to arrive here in the best conditions.”
How were your first days at Milan?
“Having several French players here is nice. We are here to prepare ourselves as best as possible, I’m here to settle in and to give my best.”
Could you tell us about the Yacine Adli Association?
“My association is one of the things that is most close to my heart. I want to give those kids who have difficulties a chance. I am very proud of this initiative which I personally take care of.”
What are your personal and team goals?
“My French team-mates have been good at adapting quickly. I arrive at the Italian Champions, I propose myself with great humility and with a great desire to grow, improve and achieve great results.”
How is the study of Italian going?
Adli replies in Italian: “I understand everything, but speaking is more difficult. I hope to be able to do the interviews in Italian within two or three months.”
What jersey numbers will you have?
“I don’t know yet.”
What are your goals?
A team like Milan must always aim for the Scudetto. Serie A is difficult and demanding. This year we will try to defend the title.”
A compatriot of yours in Pogba has returned to Italy…
“Pogba has had an excellent career, but I only want to look at my path and give my best to do well in the Rossoneri.”
What are the differences between the French and Italian leagues?
“In the French league there is great physicality, while in the Italian one more importance is given to tactics and technique. I too will have to get to know it better.”
Why did you choose to play football among the various sports you did?
“It is sport that guides my life. I wake up and think about football, before going to sleep I think about football. It is a great passion for me, I hope that football can give me satisfaction.”
What are you looking forward to experiencing at Milan?
“There will be great, very exciting moments, like the first at San Siro. I can’t wait to live them.”
Who is your favourite pianist?
“I am a huge music lover. I have been playing the piano since I was a child. I have a great passion for Mozart. Is the nickname Mozart okay with me? Only for the hair (smiles).”
