Mario Mandzukic has revealed his delight after completing his move to Milan, insisting that he is ready to fight for trophies after a long absence from the field.
A statement on the club’s official website confirms that they have agreed on a deal with the 34-year-old until the end of the current season with an option to extend the contract for the 2021-22 season.
He is of course a player who knows the league well as he played with Juventus, but he has not played a professional game since back in March, though MilanNews reported that he made a good impression with the Milan technical staff in his first session.
Mandzukic was unveiled by the club earlier today and was interviewed by Milan TV as part of that, with his responses transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
On why he chose Milan: “There are several reasons. One is because Milan is a historic club and fully satisfies my ambitions. We all know what Milan represent. Lately I have worked hard to deserve the call of an important club like Milan.”
On being ready to go again: “I am always ready and in the last period I have trained a lot. Those close to me know how committed I am to return to play in a great club and to fight for trophies. So Milan must not worry.”
On Kjaer: “I’m happy that Simon is here. I know him from Wolfsburg, we were there together. We had a good time, he’s a good guy and I’m happy to get him back. With his performances he proved to be a pillar of the defence of the team.”
On Rebic: “I’m glad he’s there too. I called him two days ago, a quick phone call. I told him I’d be there.”
On Ibrahimovic: “Zlatan I have followed him since I was very young. I am happy to play on the same team. We are both hungry for wins. He is still a real animal, and I will try to be the same. I think we will do very well together.”
On ambitions: “A club like Milan always has great goals and ambitions. I’m used to them and this doesn’t cause me problems, that’s why we play football. Now I’m here and I’ll give my all for the good of Milan.”
On Milan first in the league: “It’s a special club. Just say Milan and everyone knows what we’re talking about. The history of Milan is incredible, great champions played there. Not only me, the whole world is fascinated by Milan: I can not wait to start”.
A message to the fans: “I have always said the same thing to the fans: that I will give my best. I will try to defend the colours of Milan in every match. I can assure you 100% of this.”