Ricci promise to bring ‘stability’ to Milan as new signing | OneFootball

Samuele Ricci gives his first interview as a Milan player, discussing his favourite tactical role, learning from his teammates and why he chose the Number 4 jersey. ‘It represents stability.’

The midfielder completed the long-awaited transfer from Torino this week at a cost of €23m plus bonuses, including a 10 per cent cut of the future sell-on fee.

He sat down with Milan’s official YouTube channel to go over his first sensations pulling on the Rossoneri jersey.

“There are many emotions. I have never been so anxious as over the last few days, but it goes without saying that it’s an honour. There are high expectations and I will do my best to live up to them.”

Having ended the season in seventh place and missing out on European qualification, Milan fans hope that new coach Max Allegri can target the Serie A title.

“That would be the best thing, as I am wearing the Milan jersey, such an important club that we must always give our all,” noted Ricci.

“I think this is the right moment for me to make this move. I had a few years at Empoli in Serie B and Serie A, then Torino gave me the opportunity to develop, learning from coaches like Ivan Juric and Paolo Vanoli.

“I know that I still have many areas to improve in my game and Milan is the best place for that, because you are surrounded by some of the best players in the world and are constantly learning.

“I am a very balanced person, both on and off the field, and I think this helps me.”

Milan yearning for Ricci influence on midfield

Samuele Ricci with the Milan jersey (@acmilan)

Ricci has already played with some of his new Milan teammates, including in the Italy squad, and reveals a few of those conversations.

“I spoke to Matteo Gabbia and asked him for some information on things within the Milan world. We knew each other from international duty, I also know Pobega.”

Over the course of his career, Ricci has already played in various different midfield roles, so where does he feel most comfortable?

“Right now, I feel my current role in central midfield is the best, but I played as a mezz’ala, then with Juric I was in a two-man midfield, which required almost perfect timing and movement.”

Milan has a long history of classy midfielders, so did any of them particularly inspire the new arrival?

“The first that comes to mind is Pirlo, who is the maestro in that role. I watched his videos when I was a kid and remember him very well.”

Samuele Ricci of Torino in action for Italy U-21s

Ricci has chosen the Number 4 jersey, one he had also worn for Italy and in the past.

“I like this number because it reflects who I am, it has a sense of stability. Off the field, I spend a lot of time with my family.”

That included a recent vacation in Uganda, which is not the usual destination for European football players.

“I’ve been going to Africa for four years now, every time you come back from a trip like that, you bring something with you that enriches you as a person. We see people who have practically nothing, yet they still find reasons to smile, and that is the best lesson for life.”