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Whilst looking forward to playing with his new AC Milan teammates, Christopher Nkunku has admitted that he isn’t in his best physical condition.
It has been a week since Milan announced the signing of Nkunku from Chelsea. Arriving in a deal worth around €38m, there is inevitably a lot of pressure on the Frenchman to do well, meaning he will need to rediscover his Leipzig form with the Rossoneri.
That being said, based on his interview with DAZN (as transcribed by MilanNews), Nkunku definitely has the right mentality to wear the red and black shirt. He made it clear that he can’t wait to work with all of his teammates, while the move came at just the right time for him.
Furthermore, the forward also admitted that he isn’t in the best physical condition, having worked with a separate ‘departures’ group at Chelsea during pre-season. Max Allegri has been impressed so far, though, and below is Nkunku’s interview.
Why AC Milan?
“I think it was easy to choose AC Milan because it’s a great club, a historic club. The project was the right one for me, and I can’t wait to get started. I think it was the right time to move here from Chelsea. I’m very happy with my choice.”
What was your view of Italy?
“It’s all new to me, I need to discover it for myself. I’m excited to play, to experience this atmosphere, because I think it’s different from other countries. I’m happy. I spoke a bit with Maresca (Chelsea manager), and he only spoke highly of Italy and Serie A.”
What do you expect from this team and your new teammates?
“I want to learn step by step. Most of my teammates are with the national team now, we’re training, and when they return, I’ll get to know them and train with them. We have a match in one week and I think every match is important. But right now, the most important thing is to be ready and to be fit.”
How are you?
“I’m definitely not in my best shape right now, but I’m working on it and I’ll be ready to play soon.”
What’s your first memory of AC Milan?
“When it comes to players, I’d say Kaká, Ronaldinho, and even Ibrahimovic. I played with him at PSG, just as I played at PSG and Chelsea with Thiago Silva. I spoke to Thiago, and he was happy for me to come to AC Milan.”
What did you learn from Ibra as a player? Have you talked recently?
“It’s about having more energy and a desire to win to beat your opponent. Not to win, but to beat him. His career was based on his personality, that’s clear. He taught me to be demanding in every training session and every match: that’s the mentality for success.”
How do you think your qualities will mesh with those of the other AC Milan forwards?
“I’m a player who can adapt to others; I don’t have just one style of play. I’m very excited to get to know my new teammates and connect with them on the pitch.”
There are French players in this AC Milan team: Maignan, Fofana, Rabiot… Are you happy to play with them? Have you spoken to them?
“Yes, we were talking even before I came here. It’s true that there are many French players, but the important thing is the team, not just the French players. I have to adapt to all of them, and that’s easier when I have a French player in the squad. But as I said, the most important thing is to be connected with all my teammates.”
Which of your new teammates are you most excited to play with?
“There isn’t one in particular. As I said, the most important thing is the team. Every player has an important role. But if you really ask me about one player, then I’d say Luka Modric. I’ve never played with him, and we all know how much quality he has.”
Are you curious about playing with Leao?
“We met in the locker room. He speaks very good French, so we can talk together.”
Your last international match was at San Siro against Italy… Is Milan the right place to earn a call-up again?
“Yes, for sure. I think that to be in the national team, it’s important to do well with the club and put in good performances week in and week out. That’s also the goal. But first and foremost, I have to do well with my new team, with my teammates, and the new environment.”
Can you tell us about your special balloon celebration? Do you buy them? Do other people give them to you?
“I did it for my son. I remember looking at my photos and him playing with a ball… He always wanted to play with a ball, but at the time he was really small, he couldn’t play with a normal ball. So we played with a balloon, and I thought if I scored, I’d do this celebration for him. And I did.”
Will you do it at Milan too?
“Let’s hope so, I have to score first (laughs).”
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