AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu has spoken at length about his growth at the club so far and what the future holds for him.
Having arrived on a free transfer from Lyon without a senior appearance to his name, Kalulu rocked up in Italy as a bit of an unknown quantity and not many will have believed that he would have as much of an impact as he had.
He and Fikayo Tomori were the bedrock of a defence that kept nine clean sheets in the final 11 games of the 2021-22 season en route to ending the 11-year Scudetto drought, conceding just two goals in that stretch.
Interviewed by Milan TV, Kalulu spoke about a number of different topics and he began by explaining the reasons that have led to his extraordinary growth, with SempreMilan.it relaying his comments.
“For you it was fast, for me it was slower because I expect a lot from myself. For me when you are young you have to do everything to be here, without being stressed. The field must speak for you,” he said.
On the new season, he added: “We are preparing well for this new season. Things aren’t perfect yet but that’s okay, we need to be ready for August 13th. We always want to do more. It is true that we have won but this season will be even more important because we are many young people but of a high level now.
“We know that Serie A will be even more difficult to win. We also want to make a good impression in the Champions League, also from an individual point of view. I want to grow in all respects: technically, mentally and be strong on the pitch.”
On Yacine Adli’s arrival: “It’s easier when you can easily talk to your mates, you have points of reference. The culture is different, then it is he who will have to play the part of him but for me he is already very good in the team.”
On his hopes for the season: “I’m optimistic, it will be good for the players. In the end, maybe we will be tired because there will be many matches but it can be fun for the fans and for those who love football. There is the league and the World Cup in November, so all the players will be at a high level and already fit for the start of this season.
“We have a lot of confidence within us, we speak well on the pitch and it’s easier to do things well.”
