Emerson Royal believes that moving to AC Milan is the perfect choice for this stage of his career, and he revealed details on what convinced him to make the switch.
Milan officially announced the signing of the Brazilian yesterday on a permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, with the former Barcelona man penning a deal until 2028 and becoming the third signing of the summer.
The 25-year-old right-back was pursued by Milan for much of the summer transfer window but the two clubs struggled to agree on the transfer fee, however they got there in the end and now he can begin a new adventure where he should see more game time.
Emerson did his first press conference as a new Milan player at Casa Milan this morning on the day of the game against Monza. He answered questions from the journalists present alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and MilanNews relayed them.
Did you always think that the move to Milan would happen?
“Yes, I spoke a lot with the club and the representatives. It was obvious that Milan were the best option for me and I feel it in my blood. I am very enthusiastic, I want to do well, I’ve got my whole future ahead of me and Milan have always believed in me. Zlatan spoke about me, the club transmitted their passion to me, I feel almost like a leader because that’s my character.
“Even though I’m very young, I’ve been a leader in all the teams I’ve been in, it’s in my character. I talk a lot with my team-mates even during training. I would like to thank Zlatan and Milan for this opportunity and for the effort to bring me here. I want to do my best.”
Are you inspired by any defenders in Milan’s history? Have you spoken to Fonseca?
“I haven’t spoken to the coach personally yet. Milan had Thiago Silva, Cafu… I think all the Brazilians who have passed through here have written a beautiful story for the club. Milan are taking on an Emerson who is in very good shape: the time I spent in my former teams has taught me something. I come with a lot of motivation. You have a warrior you can count on.”
What is your relationship with Ibrahimovic like?
“Zlatan makes the difference at a global level, everyone knows that. I followed him on TV and he had an incredible career: he always showed this desire to win. It was a great satisfaction to know that there was someone like Ibra who was keeping an eye on me. I want to reward this effort and I want to do it on the pitch.”
Do you have an idea of how Fonseca can use you on a tactical level? Have you spoken to other Brazilians about Milan?
“I think the coach knows my characteristics: I have shown that I attack and defend with a lot of intensity and how he likes it. I come here to play football. Yes, I have spoken about Milan with other Brazilians and Milan is a topic that we talked about.”
How did you found these first hours as a Milan player? What impressions did you get? What more can you give to Milan?
“The first few days were intense, I did a lot of tests. Milan is a club that cares a lot about this part of the players. Entering the museum was historic, I was emotional, and I’m not easily moved.
“Seeing all the trophies that Milan has won… It’s truly a dream. Really all Brazilians want to come here: for me it’s an incredible honour. A truly great and important moment: I can’t wait to put on the shirt.”
Can you also play centre-back?
“I have always been able to help teams, in every way. Last season I played outside of my position: I played both full-back and central. I am here to help, if the coach wants I am willing to do everything. In my position I do the best things.”
You chose No.22, have you spoken to Kakà?
“Yes, the 22 shirt has a history with Milan and it belonged to Kakà: in the national team I had this number. In my best seasons I had this number. People know that the past of the number 22 of Milan is also very bright: I haven’t spoken to him yet but having this legacy is one of the most beautiful things in my life.”
What did Kulusevski tell you?
“He spoke highly of Ibra. We both play on the right and think about football in the same way. He really likes Italy and said that I will be happy with my family.”
How did you experience the summer?
“The last few months have been intense. I travelled with Tottenham and every day I called my agent and I really wanted to come here. It was quite complex, a mix of feelings: apprehension and desire. I’m very happy to be here, at times I was afraid: time was passing and there was no final solution.”
What aspect of Serie A do you have to get used to?
“The Italian league is a little different from the ones I’ve played in. I think Serie A is more static but I’ve always been very good tactically and I won’t have any problems. But I want to learn and do things well: I’ll learn everything they tell me, I’ll follow all the necessary instructions.”
Have you seen Chukwueze and Pulisic, what will it be like to play with them?
“I watched Milan’s games. I think Milan as a whole has an incredible team with great players, they play great football. For me it will be a pleasure to share the pitch with all these players. There will be no problems with players in other roles. I spoke to Leao, Morata: they will help me. I want to make friends with all the players.”
Do you feel more like a defender or an attacker?
“I have both characteristics, I’ve done both: I’ve defended and attacked, I’ve always been successful and done well. It depends on the team’s formation and the system. If I have to attack for 90 minutes, I’ll do it for 90 minutes. As Ibra said, you have to find the balance.”
Nightmare for us
I hope he does well for us. I’m not immature or presumptive like some on here.
He seems the most motivated out of them all. We have to root for the guy
I watched the conference and I also think he seems very motivated. Fonseca must see something in him, otherwise we wouldn’t have signed him. And for those who say we’ve bought deadwood from Tottenham, they should look at the development of Pulisic and RLC. A new environment can help Emerson find his form again, just like CDK performed well at Atalanta. I think he’s a good signing, and he can also play as a left-back if Jimenez and Terraciano don’t work out as backups.
Ibra also mentioned having a compact squad. I don’t think we’ll sign any more players for defense or attack, unless it’s a swap deal. In midfield, Fofana will come, or maybe an alternative. Players like Kalulu and Adli will probably be sold. I hope that with Fonseca, we’ll integrate our young players better this season and have fewer injuries overall. I’m optimistic about the season. Let’s see how the first games go, especially the derby. Then we can judge the summer.
Calabria needs a kick up the butt after coasting the past couple of seasons and I think Royal can deliver it. Welcome aboard, man.