2 months ago
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Koni De Winter has admitted that he couldn’t turn down AC Milan when they came in for him, and believes he can contribute to a new more solid defensive unit.
The sale of Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United is the big reason that De Winter is now a Milan player. The club identified the Belgian as the ideal replacement for the German, and they closed a deal with Genoa very quickly in the end.
Fabrizio Romano and other reliable sources reported that it is a €20m operation and the signing was made official last week as De Winter penned a multi-year deal. We wrote at length about what fans can expect from the former Juventus man in our player analysis piece a few days ago.
‘Hard to say no’
De Winter was present at Casa Milan on Thursday afternoon for his official unveiling press conference alongside another new defensive signing in Zachary Athekame. His comments were transcribed by MilanNews.
Between Belgium and Milan, would you call it a special summer?
“Yes. I signed for Milan and played for my country. Special, yes.”
Is San Siro a stage you can make your own after playing there as an opponent?
“Yes, yes. Up until now, I think I’ve always played well at San Siro. It’s a stadium I really like, the crowd, the atmosphere. It’s really great to play in this atmosphere and in this stadium.”
Was it a lightning-fast negotiation? What convinced you to choose Milan?
“It all happened very quickly. I was with my family, my agent called me and told me about Milan’s interest. When a team like Milan calls you, it’s really hard to say no.”
How did the relationship between you and Allegri rekindle? What is your best role?
“I spent my first professional moments with Allegri. It’s nice to be reunited with him. I wasn’t happy before because he made me play full-back, now he can put me wherever he wants, as long as I play (laughs).”
Is it fair to say that Milan snatched you from Inter?
“I’ve always read about things, but on my part there was never anything concrete, serious.”
What does the entire defensive department need to improve on after last season?
“It’s not just defense, it’s a team effort. We also defend as teams, so we’re working on that. I think the coach is very good at that, so we’re working on it and seeing how it goes.”
How much does the Milan shirt weigh? What goals have you set for yourself this season?
“A lot. It’s a very heavy shirt, but it’s great to wear. I always put a lot of pressure on myself, a lot of goals, but I try to do well game after game, to make myself available to the team and my teammates. Then I think everything will come naturally.”
You made a Champions League debut against Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic’s Chelsea…
“I wasn’t expecting it, it was a wonderful moment for me. I haven’t spoken to Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic. It was a special moment for me, and now that you’ve told me, I’ll tell them too.”
What did Vieira give you?
“I think the coach provided a foundation, a structure that was clear to everyone. I think you could see that he helped the players a lot, including me. He helped the team a lot.”
What has struck you most about these first two weeks at Milan?
“Very good. I think you don’t lack anything here; you have everything available. It’s very nice as a player to feel that the club is doing everything to make you happy. These are my first impressions.”
Do you feel like you arrived at Milan at the right time?
“Yes. I think I took everything step by step, and when I look back, there’s always the feeling that everything came at the right time, and this step happened that way too.”
What do you want to specialise in?
“I’m a central defender. Of course, you can put me in other positions, and I’ll be happy to do so, but I’m a central defender, and I specialise in that.”
Does it make a difference for you whether you play with a four-man or a four-man defence?
“No, it doesn’t make much of a difference, because I’ve played with both systems for many teams. I’ve adapted to both, and that doesn’t cause me any problems.”
Will your skill on set pieces be exploited?
“I’ve seen the quality of the players’ feet, so that bodes well.”
What makes Belgian players so special in the Italian league?
“I don’t think just in the Italian league. I think we Belgians can adapt very easily, and that’s one of our strengths.”
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