Odogu has opportunity to learn from Milan’s ‘top players’ | OneFootball

David Odogu ‘couldn’t realise’ he’d be joining Milan on deadline day, but is eager to learn from the top players at San Siro.

The 19-year-old centre-back released his first interview as a Milan player after joining the Rossoneri from Wolfsburg on deadline day.

“It feels unbelievable, it’s such a big day for me and my family. I’ve signed for such a big club,” the defender told Milan TV.

“I want to give all the glory to God; nothing of this would be possible. I’m so happy, thankful and proud.”

Milan had been chasing a defender in the final days of the summer transfer window and ultimately secured Odogu’s signature on a permanent transfer.

Odogu: ‘Unbelievable’ deadline day

AC Milan sign David Odogu from Wolfsburg

The 19-year-old defender has signed a contract to June 2029 with an option for a further campaign.

“It was very fast on the last day. It was just unbelievable,” he said.

“I couldn’t realise what happened in the last 24 hours. It was a lot but it was an amazing feeling. I’m thankful I can be here. I’m happy to be at this club.”

Milan made several changes to their squad, retaining just nine players from the 2024-25 campaign. Ex-Real Madrid star Luka Modric was among their most significant deals.

“When I realise I can play with players like Modric…One year ago, I never imagined I’d be in the same team with him,” Odogu said.

“He’s a player I look up to since I was young, but generally, it’s a team full of top, top players. I can’t wait to learn from them. I’m still young, so I want to improve my skills and get better. I will have the best opportunities here to learn from these top players.

“I want to keep clean sheets, I want to protect our goal,” the defender continued.

“I’m aggressive in my duels, one-on-one. I’m strong in defending one-on-one and duels. I want to improve my game physically and on the ball, as well as my strength.”

Odogu on legendary Milan centre-backs

BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 06: David Uyoyo Odogu of VfL Wolfsburg looks on during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and VfL Wolfsburg at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on April 06, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Does he have a role model he looks up to?

“Centre-backs at Milan were always legends, such as Nesta, Maldini, and Baresi,” he replied.

“I always look up to the best players; I don’t have specific idols. At the moment, I like Van Dijk. I look up to the best, and I want to become one of the best one day.”

Why did he pick the No. 27?

“It looks very nice. I don’t have a particular reason for the number, but it looks nice,” Odogu said.

“I was checking on the way here to see which numbers were available and which looked nice. I like the number and the construction of the shirt.”

How does he imagine playing at San Siro will be like?

“It will be massive. I’ve never been there, but I’ll be there soon,” concluded the new Milan defender.

“I watched many games on TV. I know about the big games played there, the derbies, and it’s unbelievable to imagine I’ll be playing there. But I want to work hard and play many big games in this stadium.”