Samuele Ricci responded to a question about AC Milan’s need to replace Tijjani Reijnders’ goals from midfield, admitting he has ‘very different characteristics’.
On Friday, Milan officially announced that Ricci had finally signed for the club after years of links and negotiations, 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.
We analysed what can Milan fans expect from the new midfield addition in our in-depth player profile. It is believed to be a €25m operation, with €23m being the fixed fee and the rest being add-ons.
Ricci gave his first press conference since joining the club at Casa Milan on Wednesday, and while a lot of the questions were rather light-hearted he get did quite a difficult one.
Isn’t the No.4 a bit too demanding? Without making comparisons, you’re coming into a midfield that’s lost Reijnders, who scored 10 goals [in the league last season]. 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.”