Ricci discusses Allegri and Leao impressions, role and Milan move: “Best moment of my career”

By: Oliver Fisher

Samuele Ricci became AC Milan’s first summer signing last week, and he introduced himself at a press conference on Wednesday.

Last Friday, the official announcement arrived from the club that Ricci had finally become a Milan player after years of courtship, It was confirmed that he has been signed on a four year deal with an option for a fifth year that is in the club’s favour, and has taken the No.4 shirt.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted the terms of the deal on Saturday afternoon: it will be a total package of €25m, which is broken down into a €23m fixed amount and then the rest in add-ons. We analysed what can Milan fans expect from the new midfield addition in our in-depth player profile.

Ricci introduces himself

After getting to know Milanello over the past few days, Ricci was given his first taste of Milan media attention in his press conference which took place at Casa Milan. His comments are via MilanNews.

The feeling I get when I look at you is that you radiate electricity. Is that what you feel inside?

“This is the best moment of my career. Torino has given me so much, I even wrote a thank you post. But now that I’ve made a choice and taken an important step.

“I’m at AC Milan, which boasts a great history and is incredibly prestigious worldwide. I’m here to repay the trust the entire club has placed in me, and I’ll do my best to achieve that.”

Photo by AC Milan

How was the impact from Allegri?

“It’s been super positive. He’s obviously an excellent coach, one of the most successful. The positive thing is that he’s always very cheerful, like us Tuscans are, always ready with a joke. We get along really well.”

Do you feel a sense of responsibility as an Italian? Have you spoken to any of your team-mates?

“I spoke with Matteo Gabbia, and he explained all the internal issues, the club, and the dressing room. He spoke very highly of it. As soon as I arrived, I noticed it felt like one big family, where everyone is pulling in the same direction to help us perform at our best and feel good.”

How did you handle this long-standing interest from Milan?

“I think that in a player’s career, especially when they’re young, they’re always linked to big clubs when they do well. It happened to me in the past when I played at Empoli. They’re rumours, they’re nice, but they shouldn’t be destabilising.

“Since it’s become a reality, I have to say it’s a different story than when I didn’t believe it. Anyone who knows me knows that I didn’t hesitate for a second in choosing Milan. I’ll try to repay the trust they’ve placed in me, both on and off the pitch.”

Were you curious to meet some new team-mates?

“I’m probably more curious about Leao. You see him as an opponent and you can see he has something more than the others, then you meet him in person and you realise that all the rumours about him are not true: he’s very calm and a very good guy.”

Were you a Milan fan when you were little?

“I was expecting this question. AC Milan is one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Since I was a kid, I’ve always followed AC Milan and admired their players.

“I can’t say I didn’t know the players: I knew and know almost all the players who have been part of this great family. Now I’m part of it and I recognise the importance of this club. I’ll try to do my best.”

Have you discussed your position with Allegri?

“It hasn’t been discussed, but as far as I’m concerned, the position I feel most comfortable in is as a midfielder in a three-man midfield, but if the manager asks me to play full-back, then I’ll play full-back.”

Isn’t the number 4 a bit too demanding? Without making football comparisons, you’re coming into a midfield that’s lost Reijnders, who scored 10 goals [in the league]. Where do you go to get those goals back?

“It’s definitely a challenging number, especially in a team like this. It’s a number that many champions have worn, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a number that reflects me, it’s who I am, how I carry myself and my way of being. It’s a challenging number, but I’ll do my best to prove I’m up to it; I care a lot.

“About goals… What can I say to you (laughs)? Tijjani and I have very different characteristics. You could say he had a great season, he’s considered one of the best midfielders in the world, but I’m me and I don’t like making comparisons. I might not be able to score 10 goals, but I’m here to give to the team.”

How important can AC Milan be for your development with the senior national team?

“I think Milan could be crucial in my career with the Azzurri. It’s the right place to improve, to grow. I know the difficulties I’ll face. Having made a big step forward, you’ll be training with very strong players, and so the competition increases.

“It’s part of a football career. I’ve already spoken to coach Gattuso, we had a quick chat on the phone: I was very pleased.”

Image: AC Milan

Can Milan play without a midfielder [deep-lying player]? Are you ready to play there?

“So far, I’ve always played there… Then I’ve played other roles too. I prefer possession, touching as many balls as possible. From my time at Empoli to my time at Torino, I think I’ve improved a lot when it comes to not having possession. I need to learn more defensively, and I think Allegri will help me, he’s a master at that.”

You’ll play with Modric…

“If someone had told me this a few years ago, I would have said ‘impossible.’ I’ll be playing against one of the best midfielders in the world, and it’ll be important to learn a lot from him, both on and off the pitch.

“I’ll have to be like a sponge, absorbing everything that can be useful for my career. From him and from my other team-mates.”

What are you like playing under pressure?

“It’s a skill I’m a little better at. I like to keep the ball, but not too much. As a midfielder, you have to make as few touches as possible, and above all, try to look at the play first, as the Director told me yesterday. A player can be slow on his feet, but if he’s quick in the head, he can make up for it.”

Did you receive any unusual phone calls? What did your years at Torino leave you with?

“So many people have called me, it’s the most important step in my career. All people who love me and have tried to support me through this, too.

“At Torino, I have to say that from the very beginning, I felt the love from all the fans for the player, a love that has accompanied me throughout these three years. It’s a club with a very important history, and if I’m here, it’s thanks to all of them. I can only be grateful and have fond memories of Torino.”

Is there anything that struck you about Allegri?

“What I’ve noticed from the coach and the players is that, in addition to great enthusiasm, we’ve trained really hard and with great competition. That’s crucial within a team. There are good feelings about the season. We’ll do our best.”

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