4 days ago
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Santiago Gimenez has confirmed that winning the Scudetto is the aim for AC Milan in 2025-26, and insisted he is not worried about competition from another striker.
Gimenez is a man on a mission this summer, hoping to defend his spot as the starting centre-forward. Ever since Igli Tare publicly declared that Milan will be searching the market for another striker to compete with the Mexican, he has put on his boots and decided not to waste any time.
The goal is clear: immediately earn Massimiliano Allegri’s trust and become the focal point sweeping aside any competition. His goal against Leeds United in his first friendly certainly helps, all while waiting to see who the new forward will actually be.
Allegri ‘very positive’
Gimenez spoke to Sky journalist Peppe Di Stefano as part of their ‘Insider‘ series and he lifted the lid on what preseason has been like so far under the new coach, as well as his aims for the future.
How was your summer?
“I feel very good, thank God. I was able to enjoy time with my loved ones, with my family. Now I have a lot of energy for what’s to come and I will definitely give everything for the club.”
What has working with Allegri being like so far?
“The feeling is very good, very positive. I think he’s a coach who unites the team very well, who works with great intensity. From day one at Milanello, I was sure it would be a great season.”
What surprised you about him?
“As they say in Italy, when you work you have to go fast, but then there’s room for joy, for family, for the team. I think Allegri has the best combination.”
What is the atmosphere like at Milanello? Is there a different atmosphere than in recent months?
“Yes, it feels great, and our goals are also very high, because we’re at a big club like Milan. We have to live up to it, work hard, and I’m sure it will be a great season.”
Is the word Scudetto already circulating in the dressing room?
“Yes, it’s always a dream to win the Scudetto. You have to work day after day, step by step. The arrival of Modric, who has won so many titles, will certainly motivate us.”
Tell us a bit more about Modric…
“Incredible. His quality was evident from day one. He’s a player who serves the attackers a lot, and we strikers are happy to have someone like him.”
How do you feel personally?
“I’m the same Santiago, but with more hunger, more desire, and above all, more passion. The winter transfer window is difficult, with a new team and a difficult situation.
“But now everything starts from scratch. I’m really hungry and I believe in myself and the team. We’ll give everything to achieve our goals.”
Another striker will arrive, does that worry you?
“No, on the contrary. It would be a joy and a satisfaction. The bigger and more competitive the squad, the more we grow. I’ll work to score lots of goals.”
Will you keep the No.7 shirt?
“I’ll keep the number 7. The number 7 is historic at Milan and it won’t change.”
Was Pippo Inzaghi one of your idols?
“Yes, he’s an icon of Milan. Even when I was little, I really admired Shevchenko, who won the Ballon d’Or wearing the number 7, and Kaká, for his faith, his quality, and his South American origins.”
Is Milan being without Europe a problem or an opportunity?
“The problem was last year, when we didn’t qualify. Now we have a new opportunity and we have to take advantage of it.”
What went wrong last season?
“So many details: games lost or drawn in the final minutes, incidents like Theo’s sending off in the Champions League. Small things that made the difference.”
What is your dream for this season?
“Winning the Scudetto with Milan. I’m not making any promises, but Milan always looks ahead, even in difficult times. I’m sure it will be the same this year.”
English (US) ·