New AC Milan signing Divock Origi has set the target for the coming season: to defend the Scudetto and get a second star before Inter.
Origi gave a long interview to DAZN about a number of different topics, beginning with how he is trying to get himself back up to full speed so he can join training with the rest of the squad and properly begin preseason preparations.
“I’m doing my best to get back as soon as possible, working hard day after day with the aim of being ready for the first game of the season. I am preparing myself physically, psychologically and spiritually,” he said (via MilanPress).
“At 27 I am in the prime of my career and I think I have gained the right experience. I have lived through many experiences, I have won a lot and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am hungry, I have desire to grow and improve and I want to maximise my potential.
“I feel like I have arrived at a club that is very hungry, very ambitious and who want to win like me. We want to show everyone I have good feelings and want to start the new season. Milan is a club with great history, great experience and I felt it when I played in Milan.
“At the stadium there is a beautiful atmosphere and the fans of every generation experience the same sensations as a footballer. These are all things that help you win games and leagues. Here are all the prerequisites to create something beautiful And for this reason I can’t wait to live these experiences with the team, the fans and the staff.”
Milan won their first league title for 11 years last season as they saw off competition from rivals Inter to take the title of Champions of Italy from them, but in 2022-23 the stakes will be even higher.
Stefano Pioli’s men must not only try and earn their 20th Scudetto and therefore a second star on their shirt, but must also go further in the Champions League after last season’s group stage exit.
“It is one of the first things that Maldini and Massara told me, They explained the importance of all this to me. We will do what we can to make it happen. To win a title you have to have different players and we have a very strong group,” Origi added.
“This is one of the reasons why I really wanted to come here. Giroud is a fantastic, unique, high-class player. Zlatan is one of the greatest players in history, I’m happy to be here with them. He is an example that with the right mentality and consistency you can go on indefinitely, he will be remembered for many generations, they are players who make my job easier.
“My idols? I don’t have one in particular, I grew up seeing videos of great players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, Maradona, Weah. You must learn to focus only on yourself without letting yourself be influenced by the voices of the outside.
“You must try to maintain high standards and Have a clear vision for the next five or 10 years in order to grow continuously.”
One of the interesting sub-plots to the next Milan derby will be the battle between Origi and his compatriot Romelu Lukaku who sealed his return to Inter on a loan deal.
“Lukaku and I have known each other since we were in the youth teams, we have challenged each other many times and it will be a pleasure to compare myself with players of this level.”
