Noah Okafor has spoken about his time so far at AC Milan, revealing some background on the negotiations and also his preferences on the field.
Okafor arrived in the summer transfer window from Red Bull Salzburg having been heavily linked with a move to Milan for several months before that, and it has been an up and down first season for him.
Signed as a deputy to Rafael Leao who could also cover other positions, Okafor has played more up front than on the wing and he has four goals to his name, all of which have come off the bench.
The Swiss international picked up an injury after scoring the third goal in a 3-0 win over Monza which halted what could have been a good run, but now he is back and hoping to contribute.
Okafor spoke to the microphones of Transfermarkt about his first campaign in Italy so far, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Tell us about your arrival at Milan…
“I arrived in Italy with a small injury, so initially I stayed to train away from the team, which was on tour in the United States. They had already contacted me after the Champions League match, when I scored against them in the 2022-23 group stage.
“We were unable to reach an agreement for the winter transfer market but fortunately we managed to do so in the summer. I had other options but I was immediately fascinated by Milan. For me it’s a big step forward, we shouldn’t forget that but I have great confidence in myself.”
Have you felt the weight of expectations?
“It’s a question of knowing how to adapt. I knew what it would be like to come here. At San Siro I played as an opponent with RB. Here everything is different, you have one big match a week, the stadium is always full.
“If you know how to immerse yourself correctly in a similar context, you can’t wish for anything better than this. Maybe only two, three clubs I consider bigger than mine.
“I immediately found a warm environment and I immediately got in tune with the other team-mates, many of whom were also new them. Leao helped me a lot to integrate.”
What is Leao like?
“We have similar characters (laughs). We share the same ideas, on and off the pitch. We love to joke and we are players who are close in terms of characteristics.
“Competition with Leao? This thing doesn’t worry me. I was aware that I didn’t I would have been a first choice and that I would have had to be patient to get my chance. I have to be ready, deserve this place and thus become a starter.
“Progress can be made even in a short time. Here there are players with great experience. I can learn in every training session and match. The coach talks to me often, he knows my qualities and takes them into consideration. He told me to continue on this path. My day will come.”
What is it like being at Milan?
“I always played as Milan on Pro Evolution Soccer (laughs). They had the best players in their squad, they won the Champions League 7 times. How could I not admire them?
“My goal as a child was to reach a level of the team so high. Now I’m there. I’m fine and so I would like to stay, free from injury.”
What is your best role?
“I feel like a left winger but Rafael is there and I have to be patient, but I also see myself as a second striker.”
He at least used the minutes he got with advantage scoring 4 goals. And most of them from the bench. Really underrated player. And cost 15 millions. If he’d only stay injury free.
I’d like to see him getting some minutes instead of RLC as the #10 since the left wing is occupied and RLC is useless in 4 matches out 5.