Emanuelson: “Milan are not dead”

URBY EMANUELSON has asked Juventus and Inter not to underestimate the Rossoneri next season.

Urby joined Milan in January 2011 from Ajax after impressing the leaders of Milan in the Champions League for roughly €1.7 million and in this pre-season he shows that the 2012/2013 season could be his.

Emanuelson was left out of the Netherlands Euro 2012 squad and was really shocked but now he’s happy as he got the chance to show Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri what he’s capable of and prove his worth.

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“It was really difficult in the beginning when I was left out of the Euro 2012 squad. It was an enormous disappointment .But I just decided to accept it and enjoy my vacation. I rested and spent time with my family and now I feel really good,”Emanuelson told La Gazzetta dello Sport, as posted on today’s edition.

“I’m satisfied so far, but it’s just training matches. It’s not important to win, it’s also important how you win. I believe that Milan are giving convincing responses to those who criticized us. These training matches are important occasions for us. It’s a complicated moment because Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have left us (have been sold to Psg). Everyone has said that we’re weak, and we want to show that it’s not true.

“We still feel like we’re competitive, even though Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic have left us. We still have leaders here at Milan: Massimo Ambrosini, Bonera, Abbiati. They have been at Milan for many years. They’ve won a lot and they’re the ones who have to guide the squad. We’re fortunate to have these players.

“I’ve always known that the people in Italy needed to understand what kind of player and person I am. I still have time to do it. I’m a different Emanuelson now. I have more self-confidence and I want to have more influence in the matches. Now I feel like I belong to Milan. It’s a beautiful feeling,” Emanuelson added.

“Ajax is a more protected environment than Milan. Here you really have to work a lot, but I’ve gotten used to it. Edgar Davids (played 1 year with Urby) has always been a fighter and he has explained things to me.

“Juve, Inter and the other Scudetto contenders need to know that Milan aren’t dead. We’re still alive and we can compete with Juve, Inter and the other Scudetto contenders. We believe in our strength and hopefully some new players will arrive and strengthen the squad.  If I would like to play with Kakà? Yes, very much. He made a part of Milan’s history. Kakà is the type of player that we need: the youngsters would follow him.”

If Kaka signs for Milan, it could mean less minutes for Emanuelson as competition will grow. Urby played most of the last season in the attacking midfielder position, but feels like more of a midfield-three player.

“I know this is my opportunity now. I feel the faith that Allegri and my teammates have in me. Since I arrived at Milan, the club has always reassured me. When I arrived, I was told that the project was to rejuvenate the squad gradually and that everybody was counting on me for the future. I waited until it was my time.

“I liked playing in an offensive role against Chelsea but it won’t always happen. I was lucky, as Robinho hadn’t arrived yet (laughs, Robinho had passport problems). I feel like a midfielder. I believe that it’s my right position. No, I haven’t spoken with Allegri about playing the left back position, but perhaps we will talk about it. It’s not in my true nature to be a left back, even though I can play that position when it’s needed.

Urby concluded: “The CL will be even more difficult this year, now that PSG and City have grown. We’ve to think about making it past the group stage in the Champions League and who knows what will happen.