On the eve of the team's departure for the International Champions Cup, Theo Hernández and Rade Krunic were presented as Rossoneri players at Milanello.
HERNANDEZ
HIS FIRST DAYS AT AC MILAN
"For me, it's a pleasure, I'm delighted to be here. My first few days have been really pleasing, my teammates have given me a very warm welcome. I'm calm and hope to play many games alongside my teammates."
HIS MEETING WITH MALDINI
"I have to say that I'm enormously proud to be sitting here next to Paolo Maldini, who was and always will be the best full-back in the world. We met each other in Ibiza, he explained in great detail what would happen. I expressed my desire to play for AC Milan, but I can't reveal what we told each other – that will remain between us. Now, I'll continue to work hard, I'm at a Club where I can still develop. I hope that Paolo gives me a lot of advice, not just about football but also about life."
PAOLO'S WORDS
"When someone like Maldini says that I could become one of the best full-backs in the world, it makes me fired up and really excited."
HIS IDOLS AS A YOUNGSTER
"As a child, I was inspired by Paolo Maldini. I've really enjoyed watching Marcelo play over the past few years, he's a wonderful full-back. At Real Madrid, he gave me lots of advice and I've grown and continue to grow as a player because of him. I observed him a lot out on the pitch and it's thanks to him that I'm here now."
A HISTORIC TEAM
"AC Milan have an incredibly positive reputation in Spain. When I was at Real Madrid, I thought that it'd be good to play here because of the historic nature of the Club. And now I'm at AC Milan and hope to win lots of titles."
REAL MADRID
"I've signed from Real Madrid, an exceptional Club. But in AC Milan I've joined a Club which is just as great. I'm here to work hard and to play all the matches to the best of my ability. My objective is to win a lot and to make the fans happy."
ON ITALIAN FOOTBALL
"I've come to Italy to defend better, I want to improve in this respect. I'm young and have a long way to go. This is one of the reasons why I've come to Serie A. Here, I can make a big contribution in terms of my speed, shots from distance and dribbling ability."
KRUNIC
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
"The first impressions I've had have been fantastic, just like I expected. I'm at a great Club, it's been going great for me so far. I can't wait to play for this team and wear the Rossoneri shirt. I've dreamt about AC Milan since I was little and especially since I've been in Italy. I'm really happy that I've become a top-quality player and I'm here at this Club."
ON HIS POSITION
"I'm a modern mezz'ala, caple of contributing to both phases of play. Before, I was compared to Hamsik, but I think he has more technical ability and I'm more of a physical player. My idol is Kaká, even if he was more of an attacking player and played further up the pitch. Because of the characteristics he possesses, I also watch a lot of De Bruyne. I feel a lot more mature compared to my first years in Italy: my most important quality is accelerating with the ball at my feet. I feel strong, both from a technical and physical point of view."
ON COACH GIAMPAOLO
"I've known him for four years now, he was my first Coach in Italy. Nothing's changed: he has a great vision regarding how to play. He likes his teams to keep hold of the ball, and us players will enjoy ourselves on the pitch. The youngsters will be able to develop a lot under him. The Coach deserves this chance and he'll be able to do very well at AC Milan, like he's already done at Empoli and Sampdoria."
ON BENNACER
"In my opinion, he's ready to join AC Milan, he's a very strong player. In the past, I've played with players like Pjanic and Paredes, I think that Bennacer is close to their level. I'd be really happy if he joined the Club."
PHYSICAL CONDITION
"I'm feeling fine, much better in fact: I've already begun to do things as part of the group. Maybe I could have already returned to the team but we didn't want to risk it, I think that in America I'll get back to full fitness."
(Photo AC Milan)
www.acmilan.com
Source: legaseriea.it