AC Milan searched for a left-footed attacking midfielder throughout the summer, but they only managed to sign one in the final days of the mercato.
Omari Hutchinson’s arrival was not one that really excited Milan fans. After a summer of links to ‘Tier 1’ players, the Englishman arrived with many doubters. Ultimately, most saw him as a player of the level below the likes of Endrick, without him having a chance to suggest otherwise.
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So, he’ll have to do his talking on the pitch. It’s an uphill battle for the former Arsenal and Chelsea man, but it’s not one that he’s unwilling to face. After all, the attacking midfield spots are not yet solidified, so he will have the opportunity to change that.
Hutchinson’s words
This evening, after his unveiling at the Via Dante Flagship Store, Hutchinson spoke to the official Milan channels about the move and his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
How were your first days at AC Milan?
“They’re going well. I just had to settle in really quickly. I’m currently staying in a hotel, trying to find an apartment. It’s been fantastic with the group. The coaches are really helping me and they all speak English, so it’s been easy for me so far.
“My teammates are also fantastic. Everyone is trying to help me integrate as quickly as possible. And from a playing perspective, I think the coach is trying to ease me in gradually, to get me used to the group, to get me used to being on the bench and understanding the game.
“So, yes, from that point of view, the adjustment has been pretty smooth.”
What surprised you about these first few days?
“The fans. I was struck by how passionate they all are about Milan and how hungry they are: they want to win and see their team succeed.”
Do you prefer scoring goals or giving assists?
“It depends. Sometimes I like to give assists, it gives me joy, but scoring also gives me a lot of confidence. So I’d say both. You have to do both: to be a better player, you have to be able to do both. So I try to do that as much as possible.”
How did the opportunity to come here to Milan come about?
“I just think the manager wanted me. I think he spoke to the management, they were also very interested, and it was quite easy because I played against Amorim in the game against Manchester United. I think he was really impressed with me and said he needed a player in that position who was left-footed; he said I fit his criteria, so it wasn’t too difficult.”
Do you remember that goal you scored against Amorim?
“Yes, I remember the goal. As I said before, in my first match against Amorim I played well. He said I impressed him, and I think that’s very important. Since I arrived, he’s been helping me a lot, he talks to me often: he’s been truly exceptional with me.”
The Italian championship is very tactical…
“That’s the first thing Amorim told me when we spoke on the phone for the first time: he told me I’ll have to break down defenses because sometimes teams will play with a low block. I think I have the qualities to do it and I can’t wait to get on the pitch.”
Were you already following Serie A?
“To be honest, no. Obviously I used to see the teams on FIFA, sometimes video highlights on Instagram and things like that, but now that I’ve moved I’ve seen a lot more and I’m ready to play it.”
Do you feel responsible for having to replace Leao?
“Not really. I think we play on different sides of the pitch. He’s a left winger, I’m on the right, but obviously I want to have the impact he had when he was doing well here. I believe in myself and I have a job to do.”
I don’t want to replace Leao. He didn’t fully pan out.
I’d rather wish him well in Turkey and move on to something better.
Will this kid be that sort of better? I don’t know.
What I do know is that Cisse already gives us more. More hustle, more physically, more dimensions to his game. I really hope he continues this mazing run and that Hutchinson follows right along with him.