Zlatan Ibrahimovic dropped a cryptic update on where AC Milan’s summer planning is at by claiming that they are only on day four of seven, while he sung the praises of Alvaro Morata.
Yesterday was Strahinja Pavlovic’s day to be unveiled as a new signing at his press conferece, and today it is Morata’s turn. He was the first addition of the summer but reported to Milanello last, having had a break following the European Championship.
Pavlovic and Morata are to date the only two additions that have been confirmed and although Emerson Royal should soon follow, there is still a growing sense of angst among the fanbase that other areas haven’t been addressed yet, such as the midfield.
Ibrahimovic was present at Alvaro Morata’s first press conference as a Milan player and he spoke alongside the Spaniard, answering questions about the new striker and also the club’s mercato so far. MilanNews relayed his comments.
Why did Milan focus on Morata? Was it also for his human qualities?
“First of all I want to welcome the captain of the European Champions. What we were looking for was a complete striker, present on and off the pitch. Morata is a perfect example for us: the team is younger than last year.
“Alvaro will also have this role off the pitch, we will help him take on this responsibility. When you are new you don’t know the team and the club but I’m not worried. At the European Championship he was captain and a guide, he is a winner and a champion not only in the national team and also at clubs.
“He has won not a little, but a lot. On the pitch we all know Alvaro and with the new coach, with the more attacking style. When I spoke to Alvaro I told him that in this team the best position is for the striker. I just told him that he just has to stay focused.
“We are very happy. Yesterday he was an animal and today he is the beauty. It will be fine. In the first press conference I said that God created the world in seven days: this is day four. We are very excited.”
Was Morata always an idea?
“Alvaro is himself. I’m sure he’ll do well like the names of the past. When we saw the opportunity we attacked straight away. To convince him I said I would bring him happiness: I know that if you’re good off the pitch, you’re good on the pitch. I don’t want to have a team that’s too good.
“Alvaro will easily fit into this group, I know everyone is waiting for him: they know who he is and are waiting to get to know him and train with him. He’s not a player who needs to grow, Alvaro is already at the top and complete. With more experience he’ll have an easier time playing but we’re 200% sure he’ll fit into the team very well.
“Last year the directors brought the base, this summer we’re talking about the details. Alvaro was one of them. We want to create a competitive team: Alvaro has Milan DNA and is a winner. I also want to thank Alvaro’s agents.”
Where are Milan at in their planning?
“The team is reacting well to the work they are doing. A new coach, a new staff… But they are working well, then obviously with each passing day the identity of Fonseca comes in, who has not had all the players from day one. In the Berlusconi Trophy it will be another opportunity to form the team.
“I have already seen Alvaro in good shape. Little by little the team will be complete. After three games in America with a mix of young players and returning players I saw Milan well. But the results mean nothing. With patience I am sure that everything will go well. It all starts on the 17th.”
What should we expect from the rest of the mercato?
“Let’s see, we are working. We are following the strategy we set from the beginning. If I tell you everything it is not a surprise. With the ambition we have we aim high and we want to get there. We are working hard but we are all charged.”
I hope things shoul go well. I think we need a leader but we also should consider speed and stamina, this is Serie A.