Francesco Camarda has had a whirlwind 12 months, but the story of the summer is not yet over for the 16-year-old, and AC Milan have a lot more to be excited about in 2024.
It is so easy to get carried away when speaking about Camarda, and it would be difficult to lie about that. The 16-year-old has broken several youth-level records and has not stopped there. Last season, he made his first appearance in Serie A at 15 years old, and this is only the beginning.
So far this summer, he has already experienced success as he won the Under 17 European Championship, and will sign his first professional contract with Milan, and it does not stop there.
As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, on Monday, he will depart once again with the Azzurri, and he will take his place in the Under 19 European Championship, where he hopes to impress on the international stage once again.
It is another test for the youngster, but he has never shied away from any before, and he will not do so in the future. It is all welcomed preparation – in reality, every step before, and after now is a step forward.
Following the tournament, he will be among the Futuro ranks, ready to play in Serie C, to experience Senior football at a consistent rate. Whilst Ibrahimovic expects him to struggle slightly, this is part and parcel of the game, but the Rossoneri and Camarda are ready.
After all, time is on their side.
I am aware that Ibra is trying to play it cool and ease the pressure of him by expecting him to struggle in the beginning. Personally, if he’s going to live up to the hype, he has no other choice but to destroy Serie-C next season.
Some may argue that he’s still 16 and still developing, but Lamine Yamal is 16 and lighting up the Euro. R9 Fenomeno was destroying Dutch League when he was 17. Haaland scored 9 for Norway and thus announcing his arrival to the world when he was 18. Pato (what a player he could’ve been if he stays injury free), is already playing for CL holder Milan when he was 18 too.
Of course, one season of struggle might not even dampen the expectation. But, I’m really, really hoping that he would really leave a very good impression next season in Serie-C. Just my wishful thinking..
He doesn’t need to live up to the hype – that’s the whole point, that’s what Ibra is trying to protect him from. The only way to get better is to play against players better than you. Hopefully he learns with Futuro and develops at his own pace.
Milan will keep signing over 30yo’s in the meantime until he’s ready.
Not everyone is Lamine Yamal and R9 calm down like seriously
Are you only capable of looking at a few exceptions and just overhyping a player to massive proportions for no reason?
If we destroy seria C first half of the season then he has no reason to be there