Sottil discusses impressions of Conceicao, being a Milan fan and life away from football | OneFootball

Riccardo Sottil has confirmed that he was an AC Milan fan growing up and that he is inspired by some of the club’s legendary players, like Ricardo Kaka.

Sottil was in some ways the surprise signing of the winter transfer window in the sense that he had not been linked by any media outlet until deadline day. Then, things moved quickly and he arrived to ultimately replace Noah Okafor, who headed to Napoli.

Having joined on a loan with option to buy deal from Fiorentina, the mission for the winger is quite simple: to perform well enough between now and June to earn a permanent move. His assist against Torino – albeit in a losing effort – was certainly a good start.

Sottil was interviewed by Milan TV as part of the ‘Face Off’ format that all the new signings are now subjected to, answering questions about life on and off the football field. MilanNews relayed his comments.

What does the Milan shirt mean to you?

“When I was little I was a Milan fan and my parents used to buy it for me when we went to sports shops. My dad once brought me a Kakà Milan shirt. He even had it signed and I still have it at home. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet, who knows, maybe I’ll end up here in Milan.”

What do the crucifix and the star in your social media bio mean?

“The crucifix because I’m a religious guy, my whole family is, especially my grandparents are very religious. The star is a bright symbol that I like and I paired it with the cross.”

Image: AC Milan

Your dad was a player too…

“As a child I grew up with football, I wanted to go to the pitch with him to train. My goal has always been to become a professional footballer.”

Who was your idol growing up?

“As a kid, when I started watching games, I always liked Cristiano Ronaldo, especially when he was at Manchester United, he drove me crazy, he did incredible things. He’s a great athlete and a great professional. He’s an example for football. I grew up with him.”

What are your first impressions of Sergio Conceicao?

“He made a good impression on me right away. He’s very direct, he knows what he wants and as a footballer I appreciate him a lot.”

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

“My strong point is one-on-one, while I would like to improve on my heading and on my weak foot.”

What do you do off the field?

“I have a great passion for music. I listen to a lot of it during the day. I’m a quiet guy who likes to spend time with family and friends. In my free time I try to enjoy these moments with them. They are simple things, but very important to me because they also allow me to take a break from football.

“Some friends came to visit me in Empoli. My family lives in Turin, so now that I’m in Milan we’re closer. They can’t wait to come to San Siro to see me in the Rossoneri shirt.”

You know the Milan Primavera coach Federico Guidi, who was at Fiorentina…

“I have a good memory, he gave me a big hand when I arrived at Fiorentina when I was very young. He helped me settle in, he was an important figure. From the very beginning he believed in my qualities and this was important.

“I had a great season with him, we even reached the final of the Primavera Scudetto play-off, even if we then lost it. I definitely have a positive memory of mister Guidi.”