Sottil discusses ‘passion’ for Milan, ‘anxious’ deadline day, first impressions and favoured role

Riccardo Sottil has revealed the surreal emotions he went through after getting a call from AC Milan, and the nerves of getting the deal done before the deadline.

Sottil was the last deal that Milan got over the line chronologically in what was a hectic winter transfer window that saw four other players arrive including a triple swoop on deadline day.

There hadn’t been much rumours in the build up to the final 24 hours, but then reports surfaced suggesting that a deal had been agreed with Fiorentina and that Noah Okafor was heading for Napoli.

Matteo Moretto stated that the Rossoneri and La Viola had reached an agreement over Sottil which is a paid loan with an option to buy set at around €10m.

He made his debut last night in the Coppa Italia against Roma, coming on in the second half along with Santiago Gimenez and Joao Felix in a 3-1 win.

Sottil spoke alongside Warren Bondo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at a press conference organised to unveil the new signings at Milanello on Thursday afternoon, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

Your passion for Milan was born a long time ago…

“First of all, I wanted to thank Fiorentina, president Commissio, director Pradé and Raffaele Palladino because they allowed me to take this very important train for me. I also want to thank CEO Furlani, Ibrahimovic and Moncada for believing in me.

“I had a weakness for Pato, I won’t even mention Zlatan because when he was there, with Pato and Dinho, I grew up with that Milan. It’s a passion I’ve had since I was a child.”