New AC Milan signing Lucas Paqueta revealed why he chose to join the Rossoneri at his official presentation on Tuesday.
Paqueta has joined from Flamengo in a €45m deal, and could feature as soon as Saturday’s Coppa Italia clash at Sampdoria.
The club celebrated his arrival in Milano by launching Portuguese-language site and social media account, and unveiled him to the media on Tuesday.
“I am really intrigued by this challenge. I wish to thank the club and I hope I will be up to the task,” he told reporters.
“Together with my family we decided AC Milan was the right place to be, a top-notch club. I need to adapt and settle in but I really want to win this club.
“I picked number 39 because it’s the number I started with at Flamengo. I am fond of this number.
“My idea is to play up front and an offensive football with the team.
“I am at ease playing as a midfielder. At Flamengo, I was playing more up front but I am flexible and my aim is to help the team. Every match is important when you are wearing the red and black.
“I need to adjust as quickly as possible to Italian football and settle in with my teammates. Since I was a kid I have always tried to play in different positions. I want to do my best to the advantage of the team.
“Stepping onto the San Siro field will be a magical moment and I can’t wait to play. Wearing the red and black is really exciting. My objective is to make Milan win.”
On new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the 21-year-old added: “He was a great player and being coached by him is amazing.
“He has already made me feel at home and I really hope to match his expectations.
“This is a very important moment for me. I was well-received by all the players. I hope I can help Higuain, Cutrone and all the players to score goals.”
Paolo Maldini was then asked where Milan plan on playing Paqueta.
“We think of him as a great player. He can play in different roles. He needs to get used to Italian football and then the coach will be thinking about the technical aspects.”
Director Leonardo then urged fans to hold off on comparisons with Kaka so early.
“AC Milan have a great history with Brazilian players. People’s expectations are high and rightly so. Talent is there but let’s not make comparisons with Kaka.”
