New signing Marco Pellegrino has revealed that everything went ‘very, very fast’ leading up to his arrival at AC Milan as he talked about the settling in process.
On their official website, Milan confirmed earlier in the week that they have completed the permanent signing of Pellegrino from Club Atlético Platense. The Argentinian defender has signed a contract with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028.
The 21-year-old came through the Platense youth sector and he made his debut in the first team on 23 March 2023, amassing 17 appearances and one goal.
Pellegrino spoke to the reporters who were presents at Milanello for his unveiling press conference, with his comments relayed by MilanNews and translated below.
How did you experience the last few days?
“When you start playing football, there are so many dreams in your head. I was playing with Platense up until a few days ago and it was already a dream, now I’m here and everything went very well, everything was very fast.”
How have you found things so far?
“I’ve only recently arrived, but I’ve already had several training sessions. The group is helping me a lot, but Pioli is also a great person.
“He’s giving me a hand from a tactical and technical point of view. Obviously we know the history of Milan, one of the strongest and most important teams in the world. It’s a huge responsibility to be here, it’s wonderful.”
Who are your idols?
“As I had already said, Sergio Ramos, but also Paolo Maldini from Milan.”
What reception did you get?
“I arrived at Milan and I found something new. I saw the structures, the team and everything is incredible, the quality is very high.”
You also played tennis…
“When I was little, I played both, then I concentrated mainly on football. In tennis, you do everything yourself, you need to have personality and this helped me.”
What did Martin Palermo tell you?
“He made me debut and he always had faith in me, I’ll never forget it. I talked to him and he said it was going to be something new.”
Where do you play best?
“I’m a centre-back, but I’ve also played full-back in a three-man defence. Naturally, I recognise myself as a left centre-back.
“I’ve been training as a centre-back these days. It’s true that I’m the only left-footed centre-back in the team, but we haven’t talked to the coach about other positions.”
Many have compared you to Walter Samuel…
“It’s an honour, he’s a historic player for Argentina. I’d love to follow in his footsteps.”
It took Malick Thiaw some time before playing…
“We’ll see… now I want to adapt to the team as best as possible. I’ll make the most of the time here, then we’ll reach our goals.”
On your team-mates…
“I’ve already talked to them, they welcomed me. I’m studying their position at a tactical level. I’ll talk to them to learn everything I can.”
Seems a humble and hardworking person.
It’s important that he realize he won’t play as starting CB anytime soon so he can develop without pressure and too big expectation.