Charles De Ketelaere seems to be in a very good move after finally completing the move to AC Milan. The youngster has made it clear that he only wanted Milan and has now shed some light on his first days at the club.
The 21-year-old was introduced to the press earlier today as Milan hosted a presentation. You can read the full transcript of it here, with plenty of interesting quotes from the Rossoneri’s new playmaker. This evening, he also spoke to DAZN (via MilanNews).
De Ketelaere was asked about why he chose Milan and what the first conversation with Stefano Pioli was like. He also admitted that there is a big difference between the training at Club Brugge and at Milanello, which is understandable.
The Milan project…
“It wasn’t words that convinced me but rather what this club is doing. They are returning to the top again, we all see how much the young players improve here, and as they grow up they make the whole team grow. They won the Scudetto, so it’s a great team to mature in, if you’re a young player.”
Who impressed you the most in your first training sessions?
“Clearly everyone’s level is higher than in Bruges: for example the technical quality of Leao, the finishing of Giroud… All these things. I hope to get to this level as quickly as possible.”
Who was your first opponent?
“I played against Kjaer, in 11 vs 11 I was facing him.”
The first conversations with Pioli…
“Before signing, I spoke with Pioli, so I already knew a little what he wants. A couple of days ago, he and the video staff showed me the style of play he expects of me. I liked it a lot and saw myself in that kind of football.”
In what role?
“The one they call the trequartista, but I can play other roles. But this is the role I need to focus on right away. But it’s the style of play that I like; go deep, have freedom in the attack. I can’t wait to express myself in that position.”
Any attacking midfielders you look up to?
“I have always liked De Bruyne a kit, he’s one of the best players in Belgium. In my role he’s the best, so I look at how he plays.”
What is your dream?
“I think the most important thing is to win the Champions League, that’s my dream. But now I’m at Milan, I think it’s easier to win it here than in Bruges (laughs), so I hope to win it sooner or later.”
De Ketelaere will make his debut for Milan in the friendly against Vicenza tomorrow. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 CEST and the Belgian should at least get a few minutes off the bench. Yacine Adli is the favourite to start in the No.10 role, though.