6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DEVIS VÁSQUEZ

After the announcement, his first interview and our focus, it's time to find out some fun facts about Devis Vásquez. Columbia, number 77, the Viareggio Cup: let's get to know our new goalkeeper a little better.

COLUMBIA AND AC MILAN
He is the sixth Colombian player - but the first goalkeeper - in AC Milan's history after Yepes, Zapata, Vergara, Armero and Bacca. And he has links to some of these former Rossoneri: Bacca was born in the same city (Barranquilla), while Yepes is one of his idols.

77, GOALKEEPER TRADITION
He has chosen 77. And if that sounds like an unsuitable number for a goalkeeper, you are wrong, at least not at AC Milan. The 77 shirt has already been worn by five players, two of which were full backs: Abbiati (2003/04 season) and Plizzari (2021/22), as well as Coco (2000/01 and 2001/02), Antonini (2008/09 and 2013/14) and Halilović (2018/19).

THE NAME ON THE SHIRT
So far, he has always preferred to write his first name, Devis, instead of his surname on the back of his shirt. Atypical but not abnormal, just look at our current players: Hernández and Díaz have Theo and Brahim on theirs.

ITALY, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
He is now in Italy to stay, but he has already passed through our country as he participated in the 2017 edition of the Viareggio Cup with Cortuluá U20, facing Torino and Rijeka in the knock out round. AC Milan's Primavera team also took part in the tournament, getting knocked out in the Round of 16. As he recounted in the interview, he was so captivated by Italy that on his return home he decided to learn Italian himself.

THE NO FROM BOCA JUNIORS
Óscar Córdoba, a famous former Colombian goalkeeper who also stopped at Perugia, allegedly recommended him to Boca Juniors. Apparently it was not enough to convince Juan Román Riquelme, then vice-president of Xeneize. Interestingly: the Argentinians have been AC Milan's opponents in two finals (Intercontinental Cup in 2003, FIFA Club World Cup in 2007).

COPA LIBERTADORES
Born in 1998, he has collected a few appearances in the Copa Libertadores - the top club competition in South America - and his only clean sheet was at home to América di Belo Horizonte, a team that in the past has also been the home of Tostão, Toninho Cerezo, Gilberto Silva, Fred and most recently Richarlison of Tottenham, the Rossoneri's next opponent in the Champions League.

The PUMA AC Milan Kits for the 2022/23 season are available: get yours now!