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Pietro Terracciano has revealed that he jumped at the opportunity to join AC Milan when the call came, and gave his thoughts on Mike Maignan and Lorenzo Torriani.
Being the deputy to Mike Maignan has taken on quite an important role since the Frenchman arrived in 2021 given that he tended to suffer injury issues. Last season he did manage to escape any muscle problems, but there was quite a worrying concussion.
Milan fans were perhaps not expected much movement in the goalkeeper department with Marco Sportiello having performed well and with him still being under contract. However, he opted to return to Atalanta, and the management moved quickly to replace him with Terracciano.
We took a look at the 35-year-old’s career to date after the deal was made official and deduced that he should actually be a better fit as a deputy. He spoke to reporters at his unveiling press conference – after Pervis Estupinan’s – at Casa Milan. His comments are via MilanNews.
What is your relationship with the other Milan goalkeepers?
“We have to work as a team. They welcomed me very well. The coach is very experienced, I knew he would have a strong approach. I was curious to meet Maignan; as captain, he welcomed me very well too.”
Had you ever thought about joining Milan?
“I never thought about it until there was a concrete possibility. Everyone wants to join a big team. It’s a source of pride to be here, it’s the pinnacle of a journey that began many years ago.”
Who did you first do after Milan’s call?
“I always talk to my family, my wife, my father. They told me to jump right in, because it was a great opportunity.”
You had a great relationship with Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina…
“We had developed a strong relationship with Italiano. Allegri is building a strong group and a strong team on the pitch.”
What can Milan give you?
“I always want to improve, even at my age. We need to get back on track after a season that wasn’t up to par. We all want to bring Milan back to where it deserves to be.”
Milan fans remember you for that assist to Leao in Milan-Fiorentina in the year of the Rossoneri’s last Scudetto…
“I’ve never thought about that day much again. Mistakes happen, and if a goalkeeper makes one, they make even more noise. Did I talk to Leao about it? No, no, I don’t even know if he remembers (smiles).”
What can you bring to Milan?
“I know my role on the pitch and in the dressing room. I’ll be ready when I’m called upon.”
What do you think of the young Torriani?
“I’ve only known him for a few weeks, but I can confirm that he’s very talented. He’s never satisfied, he’s level-headed, so he has the right mentality to do well. Working with good goalkeepers here at Milan could be beneficial for him. His attitude is important.”
What was it like meeting Maignan?
“I’ve always been curious to get to know him. He always seemed like a player with a great personality, and that’s exactly how it is. All the positive things I thought about him have come true. I thank him for the way he welcomed me. I can only have positive things to say about him.”
What’s it like having changed goalkeeping coach?
“I’ve changed several coaches. He’s an important figure for us. We have one of the best around, he’ll be a major asset.”
Why did you choose number one shirt?
“I’ve always used this number when I could get it. For me, the goalkeeper wears number one, so I took it.”
What are your first impressions of Milan? And what about the fans?
“The impact was even better than I expected. I’ve had a great relationship with the fans abroad so far; seeing so many Milan fans was incredible. I can’t wait to see the fans at San Siro against Bari.”
Have you heard what’s happening with Gigio Donnarumma?
“I don’t know the situation. I can only say that he’s one of the best in the world, he’ll have no problem finding a club that takes a chance on him. As for his personal situation, however, I prefer not to get into it.”
English (US) ·