Riccardo Sottil’s father Andrea believes that his son has what it takes to earn a permanent move to AC Milan, following his arrival on deadline day.
As the clock reached 11:58pm on deadline day – Monday, February 3 – the Rossoneri completed the signing of Sottil from Fiorentina, on an initial loan deal with an option to buy inserted.
It was a surprise move for many, but the departure of a player like Noah Okafor prompted the directors to go for a replacement. The thrill of it going down to the wire is something you can find on betting sites not on Gamstop.
In terms of technical attributes, the club were after a technical winger that shows unpredictability on the ball, a trait that cannot be had enough of and an arguably ‘more fitting’ Leao deputy.
Perhaps another reason for signing him was the squad list rules. With a host of international talent joining recently, the club needed a player who came through an academy in Italy.
His father Andrea Sottil Spoke to MilanNews to give some background on how the move came about and the surprise of it all.
Milan changed a lot in the winter transfer window: among the new arrivals is your son Riccardo who made his debut against Verona. How do. you feel?
“As a father I can only be proud of him. Of course, the first impact with San Siro is a bit devastating, because it’s a stadium that has this effect. But I’m sure he’ll be able to carve out his space.”
His signing in the final stages of the window has surprised everyone…
“Even us. Do you think we found out about Milan’s interest at 12pm on the last day of the mercato.”
From Fiorentina to Milan the pressures also change…
“For him it’s a great opportunity to take a step forward. Playing for Milan is a great thing. And knowing him I know he’ll do everything to win over the owners and the coach.”
Does he have qualities that are increasingly rare in today’s football?
“In a football where we are increasingly more tactical, long live the players who know how to dribble the man and create numerical superiority, without too many tactical frills. For a coach it is always an advantage.
“Just staying on the subject of sons of footballers, Francisco Conceiçao has these characteristics that I like a lot. They are important weapons, that allow you to dare. Milan has Leao, for example, and he is an important player for the Rossoneri.”
With Leao untouchable on the left, it is possible to see Riccardo on the right?
“Ricky has played on both flanks and in my opinion he can also play the right wing role well.”
