New signing Asmir Begovic has given his first interview as a member of AC Milan after confirming his arrival from Bournemouth on Monday.
Pepe Reina previously held the position as back-up to Gianluigi Donnarumma, but it was announced that the Spaniard has departed for Aston Villa on a six-month loan deal yesterday.
This meant that the Rossoneri had to spring into action and find a new goalkeeper, and they confirmed the six-month loan signing of the experienced Begovic just minutes after the announcement of Reina’s departure.
The 32-year-old Bosnia international spent the first half of the current season on loan in Azerbaijan with Qarabag, but now he will be stepping out at San Siro.
Begovic gave an interview to Milan TV revealing his strengths, opinions on Gianluigi Donnarumma and his delight at joining Milan.
“Strengths? Experience, solidity and reliability. I am a good goalkeeper,” he said (via MilanNews.it).
“I am big and sometimes I get angry too easily, but in general I am solid in everything. I am a normal, simple boy, who likes to work a lot. I love my family, my companions and I want to be part of this team. I want to win.”
“I chose Milan because it is a great challenge for me. It is one of the best clubs in the world, with a fantastic history and incredible fans. There is certainly a lot of pressure, but it is a company with great ambitions. I wanted to come to Milan.
“There are many legends of Milan that inspired me: certainly Dida, Abbiati, Amelia, whom I followed for many years. Then there were incredible players: Maldini, Sheva, Pirlo and all those champions.
“I spent a lot of time in England and I was ready for a new challenge in a new country, to understand Serie A and what it means to play for Milan. I am very excited, I can’t wait to start.”
On Donnarumma: “I think he is the best young goalkeeper in the world. I am ready to help him and compete with him.
“Obviously I want to help the team in any way. It is an honour to be here taking the place of Reina who is a fantastic goalkeeper and a person. Fantastic. I know what they expect from me. “
“What can I give Gigio? I don’t think much because he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but maybe there are situations in which I can help him with my experience, I think I can push him to always give his best in training every day.
“We have to push us to be better goalkeepers to help the club win games and win titles.”
Begovic is perhaps most famous for kicking the ball the length of the field and scoring almost straight from kick-off for Stoke.
“It was incredible. At the time I was a bit surprised, I didn’t expect to score such a goal. It was an incredible experience, now when I remember it I think back to how fantastic and rare moment in football and in my career. It was a magical moment, I will remember it for a lifetime.”
BEST MOMENT GOAL BEGOVIC pic.twitter.com/lh2IP38L7T
— Galeri Milanisti (@galerimilanisti) January 14, 2020
Goals for the future?
“First of all I hope to play for many years, with good health and good luck. After football I don’t know what I will do. I am open to everything, we will see when the time comes.”
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “It means a lot to play with him, he is an incredible player, an incredible person and leader. It can make a huge difference, I want to learn a lot from him and understand how he works. I hope to improve in training together with a player like him.”
Begovic will also unite with fellow Bosnia international Rade Krunic.
“I spoke to him when he signed for Milan, asking him how he felt. He told me how incredible and fantastic this club was. For me it was no surprise to hear him. He is a player and a fantastic person, I don’t see looking forward to working with him.”
