Welcome back David! Did you miss Milan in these months?"I've missed it a lot! I missed the group, the club, the fans, the environment in general. My first six months here were wonderful, a unique experience which I haven't forgotten."
Since you left a lot has changed. Carlo Ancelotti, Ricky Kaká and Paolo Maldini have gone, what group have you found back?
"It's true that Milan have changed a lot, it's true, but the basis of great clubs like Milan and like Manchester United doesn't change. Milan remain Milan. It's true that an important guide like Paolo Maldini is no longer here, he was a charismatic captain with a lot of personality, the best footballer of the world is missing in Ricky Kaká and also the coach has changed, but the group remains a great group, motivated and full of enthusiasm. At the start of the season the team had some problems, but it has recovered and now it's playing very well. I'm proud to play with these great champions."
You named Manchester. What effect did it have knowing you would meet them in the Champions League?
"It will be a special evening! The day of the draw I cried of emotion, I'll have the chance of returning to Manchester and play against the club I always wanted to play with since childhood. I'll find many friends, all my fans who haven't forgotten me, it will be an evening of strong emotions. It's been seven years since I've been to Manchester and I will do so with Milan's shirt, with the shirt of a club as prestigious as United, all this fills me with pride!"
After these six months what will your future be?
"I don't know, we'll see. I'm very honored to be here again. I come here knowing I will stay at least six months, the first time we weren't so sure for many reasons. I only think about working hard and do well in a special club. Then we will see if Milan will still be in my future."
Have you thought about what position you might play in this new system of Leonardo?
"The system has changed, it's different. This is nevertheless a team full of talent, experience, it will take some time to understand this new system but not that much. In any case I don't pretend to be a first choice player. If I'm a reserve I'll still be proud to be a part of this group. I don't think about my position, I'd be truly happy to play in any role, also as a goalkeeper! I'm a versatile midfielder and this will help me in any position."
Have you talked to Leonardo?
"Yes, I've talked to him. He asked about my physical conditions, of how I reacted to the work of the past few days, we'll have time to talk about the system and my position on the pitch. As I said this is a great team which I think can win the Scudetto. There are dangerous rivals like Inter and Juventus, but if Milan work hard they can aim for the title."
Did you never think about going to a team that would guarantee you a place in the team?
"No, never! Milan were always my first choice, from the first moment we talked about a loan from Galaxy to another team. The possibility of playing at the World Cup is certainly an objective, but I didn't come to this club to go to the World Cup. I chose Milan for many reasons, because I like this club's philosophy and I arrived here without any pretenses. It's great to be here, even just to help the group win, even without being guaranteed a place in the team, this is Milan!"
Do you think you are ready to face Genoa already?
"It would certainly be nice, but as I've said I don't know if I'll be a first choice. I have to work on my athletic condition even though I'm already doing well. I am making myself available. Leonardo will know how and when to use me and I'm fine with that. I've already scored against Genoa and I'd like to repeat myself, I remember that goal with a lot of emotion. My job is to be useful to this team, even if only for five minutes."
What do you hope for the new year?
"My first hope is to win the Scudetto. Then I hope for health and serenity with my whole family, with whom I will celebrate New Year's in London."
Did you hear Fabio Capello's nice words for you?
"They pleased me very much! Even though I know I have no guarantee of a place at the World Cup I thank him. I'll do what I can to work hard, to help Milan win, then we'll see."
Milan against Manchester. Will you be happy regardless of the result?
"We want to go through in the cup! It will be a great emotion to face Manchester, but I'll do it with Milan's shirt, with the desire to win and go through."
Have you never worried about what your team mates might think about the fact you are coming here for just six months?
"I asked myself that only the first time. I met an exceptional group and I immediately understood that at Milan there is no jealousy. Everyone welcomed me well, they did all they could to make me feel at home. At Milan there is a common objective, which is to win, all the players do what they can to help each other, to make this team win!"
source: www.ACmilan.com & www.zigazig-ha.com
