Malick Thiaw gave his first interview to MilanTV after joining the club.
Thiaw joined Milan on a permanent basis from Schalke earlier this week and he will give Pioli more options at center back.
The 21-year-old spoke to MilanTV after signing the five-year contract:
“It’s crazy, for me I don’t realize it to be honest. I was here for the first time today, it’s incredible. For me it was crazy, I was very, very happy, very excited. I told my mom and my dad about this call immediately and yes, for me it’s a big opportunity and I’m very happy to be here.”
On Serie A: “In Serie A there are great teams, also in the Champions League they sometimes play well. I followed Serie A, I also play PlayStation with Milan.”
On the Bundesliga: “I think in Germany it’s very tactical, you have to be strict and listen to the Coach. I always give 100% and show passion. If you step on the pitch and give 100%, if not – they will allow.”
On his idol: “When I grew up my idol was Yaya Touré because I was a midfielder.”
On his strengths: “I think I’m very good against the ball, I’m strong in aerial duels, and I’m quite fast I think. These I think are my main strengths.”
On his experience with Schalke first team: “I was training already some months with the first team so it was good for me, it was not that hard because I trained a lot. But for sure it’s a big different because in these stadiums, from one day to the next you play in front of 60,000 people, so it’s a big difference. But I think I developed well.”
On the Milan of last season: “I followed the whole season, especially in the winter because there was also already some talk with Milan, so I tried to follow every game and yes, it’s crazy what they did. Congratulations! And for sure for me, I’m very proud to be here and also I want to play and for me I want to play as far as possible and make my debut.”
“Forza Milan!”
