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Pervis Estupinan has lifted the lid on his start to life at AC Milan, including his first impressions and his preferred role.
Estupinan was Milan’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, arriving from Premier League side Brighton. He faces the rather difficult task of making fans forget about Theo Hernandez, though it will be made easier by the drop in performance levels that the Frenchman had in his final year.
Relative to the Ardon Jashari saga, the operation between the Rossoneri and Brighton was completed relatively quickly. Estupinan was announced as a new signing at the end of July, for a figure believed to be under the €20m mark.
We spoke in depth about what supporters can expect from the Ecuador international in our player analysis piece, but at Casa Milan on Tuesday afternoon the defender had the chance to tell everyone himself. His unveiling press conference was transcribed by MilanNews.
Have these first few days been what you expected to find at Milan?
“Everyone, not just in Ecuador, knows Milan, which is a historic club. I haven’t had the opportunity to play that much with Milan, but I know the players who have played there: there are so many fans in Ecuador. I’m very happy to be here: I’ve worked long and hard to play for a club like this.”
Are you close to your best condition?
“I was talking about it the other day with the trainer: we were laughing together because I practically arrived in Hong Kong by parachute. I’ve been a physical player in every team.
“I always try to stay in shape during the summer break, and thanks to this preparation, I arrived in good condition: I feel good and I can’t wait to play at San Siro and bring joy to the fans.”
What does this move mean for you and your family?
“When we heard that Milan had expressed interest, it was exciting. My wife, children, and other family members were thrilled. Everyone in my family has helped me and is crucial to my career on a human level. I want to make the most of this opportunity; it’s a dream come true.”
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to replace Theo Hernandez?
“We all know that Theo is an excellent player with a very fine ability: he has left his mark here. I’d like to congratulate him. Now it’s my turn, I’m very happy and can’t wait to take up that armband. I’ll work hard to show everyone that I’m giving back to Milan the faith they’ve placed in me.
“I can’t wait to make the fans happy. I’ll try to work as hard as I can. I can’t wait to win as many titles as possible with Milan, and that’s one of my goals. I’m happy to wear the No.2 that a very important player like Cafu once wore.”
How important was De Zerbi?
“The first thing that helped me was understanding Italian: I don’t speak it, but I understand it, and I’ll try to learn it. On a footballing level, I’m very happy to have been coached by De Zerbi: he’s a great coach, and he helped me a lot.
“They were two excellent seasons, and I remember them with great pleasure. I congratulate him on his outstanding human and tactical-technical qualities. I’ll try to apply what I learned.”
What role is Allegri asking of you on the pitch?
“As you know, one of my characteristics is that I defend but at the same time move up and attack: I like to interact with midfielders and forwards. At the moment, I’m sticking to what the coach says.
“If we play with four, I can move up and interact with the forwards, but I can also play in a three-man defence. I’ve found a fabulous group at Milan, and we’re all motivated to achieve great things. With a four-man defense, I hope to defend as best I can but also move up a bit.”
You were coached at Quito by former Milan player Borghi, have you spoken to him?
“Our adventure together didn’t last long and we didn’t talk about Milan: in those few moments we shared I learned a lot. He did the rabona very well and he trained us full-backs a lot on crossing and long throws.”
How do you think the connection with Leao will be?
“I’m so ready, I can’t wait. We all know what kind of feet Rafa has and his technical qualities: I’m super motivated at the idea of playing alongside him. At the same time, playing with Rafa makes me feel even more motivated: the idea of helping him galvanises me.
“From the start, he greeted me and gave me a beautiful smile, I immediately understood that we can do good things together. Let’s hope we can hurt a lot of teams.”
What’s it like working with Allegri? What would you like to improve on?
“When I first met the coach, I thought he was very nice: he jokes with the players. Then, when it comes time to work, he’s very serious and wants to win. I really like his attitude.
“I’ve grown a lot in the Premier League, and in recent years I’ve improved my assist rate. I’ll try to score goals and assists here too. My job is not only to defend, but also to get up the pitch and provide valuable assists.”
Why the number two?
“So many players have worn this number. The reason I chose it was because I heard some very beautiful and inspiring words from Cafù about me: I decided to pay homage to him in this way.”
De Zerbi called you one of the best in the world if you improved your control, what do you think you need to improve?
“I played for two seasons with De Zerbi. The Premier League is a very intense league and different from the Spanish league I came from. In England, you have to run a lot and the ball moves a lot.
“De Zerbi noticed that I needed to improve my passing technique: I did a lot of exercises with him and I improved. At Milan, I’ll try to improve; you always can.”
What kind of squad did you find?
“I feel great. Since I landed, all my teammates have given me the warmest welcome I could have hoped for. I can feel the spirit of my teammates, who want to achieve great things. We’re all eager to fight, and we hope to start off on the right foot starting Sunday.
“We’re working hard, and the goal is to get off to the best possible start. The coach is asking a lot of us and wants to ensure our winning mentality awakens and works for the good of Milan.”
What is the goal for the season?
“In every match, I want to make the fans happy and satisfied. We have three competitions, and the goal is to win all three. I’m coming to a big club and I want to win titles. I have so many dreams, and I know that if we do a good job, we can do it.”
You’re the first Ecuadorian at Milan…
“Yes, I’ve received so many messages from Ecuadorians who support Milan. Now everyone says they’ve been Milan fans since they were born. Many Ecuadorians here in Milan already tell me they’ll come to the stadium to cheer me on.
“It makes me so proud, one step closer to making history and continuing my story. I’m so happy, my family is so happy, everyone in Ecuador is so happy, and I hope they’ll buy my number 2 shirt.”
English (US) ·