Tammy Abraham joined AC Milan on Deadline Day, and he made an immediate impact on his debut, assisting Rafael Leao in the 2-2 draw against Lazio. Today, he spoke to the press about his move to Milano, and why he wanted the move so badly.
The ‘third striker’ saga occurred for the majority of the latter parts of the window. Once Alvaro Morata signed, attention moved to other positions, but Milan continued to evaluate forward options available to them.
It seemed like the Rossoneri were going to leave the department as it was for a large part, but after Alvaro Morata’s injury, the management took the plunge and brought the English striker in late on deadline day, and he made an instant impact on debut.
Not a stranger to Serie A, Abraham has played 84 times in the league, scoring 26 goals in the process. The Englishman has previously played with Alvaro Morata at Chelsea and joins several of his former teammates at Milanello.
Today, the deadline day signing sat down at Casa Milan alongside Giorgio Furlani, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
All in a short time: arrival, debut and assist…
“I grew up with Milan. I consider it an excellent team. I am often asked how I want to play. Milan is a fantastic club, I am always ready to face new challenges. I hope to settle quickly but we definitely have the wind in our sails.”
What emotions did you feel?
“When I saw that Milan were interested in me I could only wait. It was the club I always wanted.”
Right away feeling with Leao…
“There’s quite a funny story behind it. We decided before we went in what to do together, we went in and did what we wanted to do.”
How are you physically?
“I feel great physically, I’m recovering from the injury. I want to take the field, then if I feel fatigued there are good substitutes. I’m ready”
What did you say to Theo and Leao during the cooling break?
“We all saw the scene. I was talking to them, there was adrenalin in my body. They stayed at the side of the pitch, but simply because there was water and they drank there.”
What promise do you make to the Milan fans?
“I grew up with this club, in my heart and soul, with all the trophies and players, playing here, in this fantastic city and in this fantastic stadium, as are the fans. I want to win and enter Milan’s history. I hope I can do it.”
You met Morata already at Chelsea…
“When I was very young at Chelsea I met Morato and I partly grew up with him who is a leader. Really nice to be on the pitch with him, he will help me to make this new team win.”
Are there leaders in Milan?
“I haven’t had a chance to talk to my teammates, it takes time to create relationships. Milan have great players and there are also good friends. It will be nice to play here.”
Did you want to leave Roma?
“No, I have not lost faith in Roma, they remain an important team for me, the fans know this. But sometimes in life there are times when you have to move up a level, set the bar higher, and I thought this was the right opportunity. I wish Roma the best, but now I’m focused on Milan.”
You come from two difficult years…
“Many things happen in life, at Roma everything went well the first year, a little less in the second. Players are human beings and the injury dragged me down for a while, but this at AC Milan is my big opportunity to show that I’m back. My ambition is always to win.”
What are your goals here?
“I’m 27 years old, there are still many choices to be made. I want to score a lot, I’m tall but I have to balance aerial play and footwork.”
The last English striker at Milan was Mark Hateley, who scored a goal in the derby after five or six years where Milan had not won a derby. Milan have now gone six games without a derby win, do you hope to be a match-winner in the derby?
“In the past 4-5 years I think ive watched every derby game. I’m excited to be here now, to play in these games, so I’m looking forward to it. You have my word, I’ll give my 100% best. Once I’m here my heart is here, my mind is here, I’m also a fan like you guys so I want the best for the club. I’ll do my best to also become a legend too.”