Fofana ‘happy’ to join Milan but admits negotiations made him ‘very impatient’

Youssouf Fofana completed his move to AC Milan earlier today and then spoke to the media at Casa Milan. Although the press conference was heavily delayed by about two hours, the midfielder had a lot of good things to say. 

Milan announced the signing on their official website earlier today, following the contract signing at Casa Milan and the medical tests this morning. Fofana will wear the No.29 shirt and tonight, he will be at San Siro to greet the fans.

Speaking at the press conference, which was broadcast by Milan, Fofana spoke about the move and his desire to join the club. He revealed that he has been in talks for a few years for Milan and that the move comes at the perfect time.

You have always heard when speaking with the club that Milan wanted you. Was this important to you?

“Yes, I must say that this had a lot of weight when I had to make the decision. When the club calls you, they give you “the sweet eyes”, it is obvious that you want to go to that place where they want you a lot. Milan are very well in France too, they presented me with the project for the future and it matched my ideas.”

What kind of midfielder are you, how would you describe yourself?

“Let’s leave what happened in the past in the past. I’m not here to replace Kessie. I am myself, Youssouf Fofana, a modern midfielder who has to work in both parts of the pitch.”

Did knowing Theo and Maignan influence your decision to come to Milan?

“For me, yes. They didn’t come to me, I went to them to ask questions about the club and the city. Then there are some Frenchmen who play for the ‘enemies’ who also spoke well of the club.”

You were born on the same day as the first derby won in Milan’s history. Do you think it’s a sign of destiny?

“I didn’t know, but we’ll make sure that destiny is on our side.”

On the negotiations between Milan and Monaco…

“Last year, Milan probed the ground to sign me, but then I decided to stay at Monaco because of the new project they had presented to me. In the end, everyone wins. There were some discussions during the season for my renewal, but then I simply said that I wanted to go elsewhere and start a new adventure.”

Which midfielder do you think you can link up with the best? Have you spoken to anyone?

“I haven’t spoken to any of the Milan players yet, but it’s important that I have a good relationship with all of my teammates and not just the midfielders.”

Morata said he wanted to bring the second star to Milan, is there any goal you are excited about in particular?

“I’m not here to make promises, I liked the project and the idea they presented to me. I want to win, that’s it.”

How have the last few weeks been for you? Were you afraid of the deal falling through?

“No I wasn’t afraid, I was very impatient, I wanted it to happen quickly because the league starts tonight and I wanted to be on the pitch. However, often the long wait makes the final result sweeter. I’m very happy to be here, I tried to be patient, Milan called me and told me to stay calm. I had faith and here I am.”

Have you spoken to Fonseca, and what were your impressions of him in France?

“I have spoken to him, he told me that he was very happy to have me here. He was very enthusiastic and he can’t wait to start working with me. In France, Fonseca is very well known, we know that he has a style of play that’s different to the French style. I played against his team and it wasn’t easy, so I’m happy to be part of his team now.”

Where did the strong desire to join Milan come from? And can you be like Marcel Desailly for Milan?

“I’m grateful for the comparison. I don’t know if I can say it, but I have been in contact with Milan for a few years. Before it wasn’t possible to make the move, now it was. It was the right moment for me as well as the club. I’m arriving here at a time when I’m not too young, but not too old either. I have never played in the Champions League so that will be exciting.”