Estupinan on Milan expectations, Leao link-up and De Zerbi advice | OneFootball

Pervis Estupinan says it is the realisation of a childhood dream to represent a club like Milan, has spoken about his link-up with Rafael Leao on the Rossoneri left-flank and also revealed what Roberto De Zerbi told him about playing in Serie A during his first interview after completing his transfer from Brighton on Thursday.

Estupinan has joined the Rossoneri in a deal reported to be worth €17m plus €2m in bonuses in a permanent deal from Premier League side Brighton.

The 27-year-old has signed a five-year contract, running until the summer of 2030, has chosen to wear the no.2 shirt during his first season in San Siro, and will be the first ever Ecuadorian player to represent the Rossoneri.

Everything Estupinan said in first Milan interview

Official: Pervis Estupinan joins Milan on a permanent transfer from Brighton. (picture via www.acmilan.com)

“Really happy, really excited. This is a childhood dream to be at such a big club,” Estupinan said during his first interview after joining Milan. “I’m so happy now that this dream has come true. All the hard work has paid off and now I’m just excited to get going and do well here,” he continued.

“When my agent told me that Milan were interested in me, I told him that it’d be a great idea. This is a massive club, everyone knows that. You take notice when you receive an offer from Milan. I’m delighted and can’t wait to get going. I want to start already.”

Estupinan joins Milan as a replacement for Theo Hernandez, who left the club after six years to join Al-Hilal earlier this window.

Theo enjoyed a successful partnership with Leao on Milan’s left flank over the years, and Estupinan was asked if he is also looking forward to linking up with the Portuguese under Massimiliano Allegri this term.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Rafael Leao after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He replied: “Really happy to get to play with a top player like Rafael Leao. I’ve always watched him a lot. I’ll learn from him, I’ll also try to help him in any way I can so that we can strengthen the left flank.”

Estupinan was also asked if his former Brighton coach, Roberto De Zerbi, who began his playing career in the Rossoneri youth teams, had any advice for him about playing for Milan.

He said: “I haven’t had the chance to talk with him about it, but when I played under him at Brighton, he always spoke highly of the Italian league.

“He’d say that the fans live for football, that they’re really passionate. He said it was quite similar to South America. As someone from South America, it makes me proud to hear that.

Official: Pervis Estupinan joins Milan on a permanent transfer from Brighton. (picture via www.acmilan.com)

And when asked about his being the first ever player from Ecuador to represent Milan, he replied: “I’m so happy to make history. This is a really big step for me, such a big step to sign for such a big club.

“Of course, it’s big news in my country because there’s a lot of Milan fans there, too. Obviously I’m the first Ecuadorian to play for Milan, which is amazing. I’ve had a lot of messages. There’s also a lot of Ecuadorians living in Italy and here in Milan. It makes me proud to be part of history.

“I hope to win a lot of titles, to be happy, to bring happiness to our supporters. I can’t wait to get to work with the team, I promise to do my best and work my hardest to make the fans happy.”