Junior Messias has admitted that he knew he had sceptics when he arrived at AC Milan but he has gone about proving them wrong with his recent performances.
The Brazilian captured the imaginations not only of Milan fans but football fans all around the world with his winner against Atletico Madrid last week, his first for the club and one that marked a brand new chapter in a story that has seen him go from playing amateur football in Italy and working as a delivery man.
Tonight, a Messias double either side of half-time completed the scoring as Milan took advantage of Napoli’s draw to close the gap back to one point with a 3-0 victory over Genoa at the Marassi, meaning the 30-year-old now has three goals in three games.
Messias spoke to DAZN after the game to reflect on what was an important win but also another huge step in his incredible personal journey, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
How do you feel after the goal in Madrid and today’s brace? “By now that of Madrid has passed. Continuity must be found. Today it was important to win again and play well again.”
On his relationship with the team: “I am someone who talks a lot off the pitch, but on the pitch you have to talk and help each other, whether you are 20 or 30.”
On his goals: “It comes naturally to me, when you are at this level you have to get used to it. With Crotone we played well, it’s a pity we were relegated. Last year I got used to it. This year I ended up in a huge club with the fans, it gives you an extra boost. Luckily we are talking about this thanks to goals from Madrid and today, because I arrived here when few wanted me but with my work I have shown that I can stay.”
On his journey: “It’s nice to talk about stories, now everyone knows it though. Now I have to think about Milan and the season we are playing and always think about improving. In my opinion, later on we can talk about this [my story], it is my thing and the Lord has helped me a lot. We will talk about this later.”
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If he playing like this, I think Milan will sign him next summer. So far he just passed Calstillejo as Saele’s deputy
Decent player compared to the headless Saelemakers
So glad Junior got the start. Saelemakers wasn’t helping.
Saelemakers has always been decent. Please lets not condemn the lad. Messias might rise above him on the pecking order but he is still decent for depth. I like him cos of his speed,pressing and attacking stlye of football.
Every milan player is important.
I love his style. Probably it is his amateur background says for him. He plays with a true Brazilian effort like enjoying the ball, fully focused on process. It is game for him and he is playing like a kid outdoors.
I think he hasn’t shown his full prime yet.