MESSIAS: "I WILL REPAY THE TRUST IN ME ON THE PITCH"

Junior Messias’s story is a special one, and now it’s time for a new chapter, one which will see him wear the AC Milan shirt. The Brazilian held a presentation press conference to introduce himself as a new Rossoneri player. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
"Getting to Milanello and finding such good players and coaches gives a feeling that you don't often get in life. I'm happy to be here; it's a pleasure to wear this shirt. There are a lot of things that need to come together, talent and work rate alone isn't enough."

PRIDE AT BEING HERE
"Being here is the best thing in my life; there are so many out there that would love to be in my place. It's a source of pride and satisfaction for me because it means my hard work and sacrifices in the past have paid off. This shirt is full of history. I understand that the fans wanted a big name to come in on deadline day but they've shown a lot of faith in me. That will need to be repaid on the pitch and not just with words. I think that I've come here at the right time; at 30 years old, you think differently to how you did at 30. If I've made it here now, it's because that's how things needed to be."

SIGNING THE DEAL
"I didn't sleep because I was waiting for the news. My agent called me at 2:30 am and I then spoke with everyone: with the Crotone president and with Maldini and Massara. I was really happy. There were other teams interested in me but when AC Milan come calling, you don't think about going anywhere else."

HIS ROLE
"I've spoken with the coach and told him that I'm at his disposal. I'm a wide forward by trade but I've also played well as a second striker. He'll decide where he wants me to play. This team is lacking very little; I'll try to bring my style of play and my desire to work to bear. I'll try to contribute whatever's needed of me; I think they've seen something in me."

BRAZILIANS AT AC MILAN
"It's difficult to focus on just one player; that AC Milan side had Dida, Cafu, Serginho and Kaká. And it wasn't just the Brazilians. So many AC Milan players have inspired me, like Gattuso and Maldini. That team was a real joy to watch. I don't feel the responsibility of being a Brazilian at a Club, which has a great tradition of employing my compatriots. It doesn't make a difference on the pitch if you're Brazilian or not. Things have changed; I'll try to do what I know I can do but I don't need to do more just because I'm Brazilian."

FROM EMOTIONS TO THE PITCH
"I'm happy to be here now and I need to play like I belong here. You always carry memories of the past with you but I just need to focus on AC Milan right now. I can't wait to get out onto the pitch. We have a lot of difficult games coming up and that gives you the necessary motivation; I love these kinds of games."

AC MILAN AS AN OPPONENT
"AC Milan could've won the title last season. In a friendly this season, I saw an aggressive side, which has a lot of desire to win. I only played against them in the girone d'andata last season. We'll try all together this season too."

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