AC Milan defender Simon Kjaer has revealed that joining the Rossoneri is a ‘dream’ for him as he was officially presented at Casa Milan on Thursday.
The Denmark international cut short his time at Atalanta and joined the Rossoneri on a six-month deal, with Milan confirming they have confirmed an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The Denmark national team captain failed to obtain much game time in Bergamo, but with Mattia Caldara having completed his return there Kjaer now has a chance to get some more minutes under his belt ahead of this year’s European Championships.
Milan fans got a taste of what the 30-year-old can do in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over SPAL in the Coppa Italia as Kjaer impressed on debut, playing 82 minutes before being subbed off for Matteo Gabbia.
Kjaer was presented in front of the media at the club’s headquarters alongside fellow new arrival Asmir Begovic, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.it.
“It has always been a dream to come to Milan. I am very happy to be here, it is a great club. At Milanello you can breathe great history, it is a pleasure to be here. I am really very happy,” he said.
The former Fenerbahce man was asked about his intentions to stay beyond his loan.
“It’s a dream to be at Milan, so my goal is to stay here,” he said.
“I played several times in San Siro, it’s one of the most beautiful stadiums. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere, it’s a special place.”
Paolo Maldini, it seems, was key in yet another deal.
“It is always special when an idol of yours like Maldini calls you and tells you to come to Milan. For me it was a pleasure to meet him,” Kjaer continued.
“The goal is to improve every day and make as many points as possible. The quality is there, the presence of Ibra gives something more to everyone.
“It is early to think about the end of the championship, you have to think about one game at a time and try to score as many points as possible.”
An image has done the rounds on social media of Kjaer clashing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a Europa League match a few years back. The Dane seems happy to get along with his fellow Scandinavian now they are team-mates.
“Absolutely yes. I have often met him in his career, we have had our wars on the field, but there is no problem with him. We have the same goal, that is to help Milan to get as high as possible. Jis career speaks for itself, it is a pleasure for everyone that he is here.
“This is also why I am here. I have to try to help the team and especially the younger players. I have to make them understand that you have to work hard every day.”
What didn’t work out in Bergamo?
“I arrived in Bergamo at the end of the market, but it didn’t go well. Then came Milan’s chance, I thank Atalanta for giving me the opportunity to leave. With the coach, things didn’t go well because of tactical issues.”
See our reaction to Kjaer’s signing on our latest podcast…
