Riccardo Sottil’s father backs him to earn Milan stay and reveals insight on ‘hammer’ Conceicao | OneFootball

Riccardo Sottil’s father Andrea believes that his son absolutely has what it takes to convince AC Milan to make his loan spell a permanent one.

Sottil was Milan’s last acquisition during a busy winter transfer window as he arrived with 90 seconds of the mercato left, as confirmed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The winger joined from Fiorentina on a loan with option to buy deal, and made his debut during the win over Roma in the Coppa Italia.

He comes from a footballing family given that his father was a player and moved into being a head coach. The Rossoneri will be hoping that he can be a valuable resource for the attack with his direct nature and his speed, as well as his hard work in the non-possession phase.

Sottil will not make his Champions League debut tonight as he was not named in the squad list for the knockout stages, though mainly due to UEFA regulations rather than any judgement on his abilities.

His dad Andrea Sottil gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport all about his son’s move to Milan, including how he got into football and his first impressions with the Rossoneri.

Can you sum up deadline day for us?

“The last day of the transfer market was adrenaline-filled. It was an adrenaline-filled day, full of suspense and which was resolved in the last hour. At 12:30 Giuseppe Riso called me, telling me about this possibility and telling me that the negotiation would not be simple.

“I kept quiet, I didn’t say anything to anyone. Then at 2 pm Ricky called me and from there it was a frenetic few hours. We wanted the transfer to go through and at the end we allowed ourselves a toast.”

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Why Milan?

“Because we are talking about one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. It has always been Riccardo’s team since he was little, without any real reason. I have always supported Torino. But he has always had a thing for Milan with Shevchenko, Pato, Kakà and Ibrahimovic.

“Not only that, going to Milan at 25 is also an important step in growth from all points of view, technical, character and motivational. Wearing the Rossoneri colours gives you 360-degree motivation.”

What role could he have between now and the end of the season?

“Ricky has always been aware of the competition he would find. In the big teams it is like that. But for him it is a beautiful challenge because he goes to play with great champions in a context of daily improvement.

“As a father and a coach I can only be proud of him. When you enter Milanello you see the trophy cabinet on display, you have to be good at getting into character straight away. It takes a mental switch, but I am sure he will be able to do it.”

How did he take the fact that he is not in the Champions League list?

“He was very sorry. But these are the dynamics of a club that makes decisions and must be respected. Obviously he would have been very happy to be on the list and play for a competition that has an incredible charm.”

Image: AC Milan

How is he getting along with Conceiçao?

“He told me he is a hammer and a very direct person. There is great intensity in the training. I am happy that he is trained by someone like Sergio who was a great champion in the same role as Ricky. He can only improve him.”

What are Riccardo’s qualities?

“He has everything to win over the coach and the club. His best quality is undoubtedly one-on-one at great speed. He has excellent acceleration from a standstill and big changes of pace. In recent years he has also improved in his finishing, which is fundamental for an outside attacker.

“He can play both on the left and right, I am convinced that he will score many goals and provide several assists. Furthermore, he has also improved in his attacks on goal.”

Off the pitch, what is he like?

“He is a wonderful boy. As a father I am sorry that sometimes untrue things have been said about him, but then in life it matters who you are and what you do. And my son is extraordinary. He is very attached to family values ​​and those of friendship.

“His closest friends are not footballers but four or five boys he went to school with when he was little. Today they go on holiday together, they see each other on their days off and have fun. He is a simple boy who has always had the dream of becoming a footballer.

“He has made many sacrifices and is a maniac who trains at home and in the summer during the holidays, always trying to improve himself.”

Photo by Sara Cavallini/AC Milan via Getty Images

Apart from football, does he have any particular hobby?

“He’s obsessed with rap. Lazza, Sfera Ebbasta, these artists here. At home he bought a system to try to rap and write songs. He has an unbridled passion for music. In Florence I remember he involved a rap artist to try to write a piece.

“Music has been with him since he was a child. He gets up in the morning, brushes his teeth and there’s already music pumping out at full blast.”

The No.99 belonged to Donnarumma, Cassano and Ronaldo…

“Eh, I know. An important tradition.”

What did Florence and Fiorentina represent for him?

“It has been his home since he arrived at 16. He has been given so much and he himself has given just as much to the purple colours. I personally want to thank president Commisso and director Pradè who allowed the negotiation with Milan to go through.

“Then I also want to thank the Fiorentina fans who have always loved Riccardo despite some critical moments. Football is like that, made up of situations: a great opportunity came along and we seized it.”