RICCI: "AT AC MILAN TO GROW AND IMPROVE" | OneFootball

The 2025/26 season is getting underway, and following Coach Allegri's first press conference, it's now time for the presentation of Samuele Ricci. The new Rossoneri midfielder spoke to journalists at Casa Milan.

IGLI TARE'S INTRODUCTION "We are here to present our new midfielder, Samule Ricci, and it is a real pleasure as he is our first signing. He's a modern player with a lot of personality and he was the Torino captain showing his qualities on and off the pitch. He showed that he deserves to be here. It's an investment not only for the present but also for the future: I hope that he becomes a role model in this team".

A NEW BEGINNING "It's the best moment of my career. Torino gave me a lot, and I think I have made an important step to a club with great history and international prestige. I am here to repay their faith. In a player's career, they are often approached by big clubs, but rumours don't mean all that much. From the moment AC Milan really happened I couldn't believe it. Those who really know me know that I didn't hesitate for even a second before choosing this team". HIS CAREER AND GOALS "I have always tried to progress step-by-step. AC Milan is a starting point for me and I want to give my all here for these fans. We must earn their support as a team. I think that here is the right place to reach my best, ambition is the word to use in this case. The goal is to get back to Europe, but the best thing to do is working day by day and we will see where we are by the end of the year".

HIS ROLE "The position I prefer most is the defensive player of a midfield three. There is no problem if I am asked to do something else: if the boss asks me to play as a full-back, I will. I prefer playing on the ball as much as possible from when I was at Empoli (and then at Torino) and I improved a lot out of possession. I have a lot more to learn and I am sure that Allegri will help me out, and then if I play more defensively or more attacking, I will always give my all. Even Tare told me that I have to try and read the play, as you can be a bit slower, but if you are mentally quick, you can make up for it".

THE NUMBER 4 "It's an important number for this team, many champions wore it, however it is definitely a number that represents me".

ALLEGRI AND WINNING SPIRIT "The boss has had a positive impact, and a great thing is that he is always as bright as we Tuscans are, and we can agree on this. I have seen great enthusiasm from him and our teammates, we have been training really and competitively which is key in helping a team improve".

THE ITALIANS "I spoke with Matteo Gabbia and he explained to me the situation within the club and the dressing room. What I have understood right away is that I have become part of a big family, and we will all work in the same direction to make us grow as much as possible".

ON LEÃO AND REIJNDERS "It was interesting meeting Leão. You see him as his opponent and he is something else, then you meet him and understand that he is quite calm and a great guy. Tijjani and I have different traits. He is one of the best midfielders in the World. I am myself and I don't like making comparisons".

ITALY "AC Milan is the right place for me to improve and grow. I have taken a big step forward and the competition is increasing, but this is part of a career in football. I have already spoken to Gattuso and it was a great pleasure. He didn't speak to me about AC Milan as it was only a quick introduction".

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