Ricci: ‘didn’t hesitate’ when Milan called, must ‘be like a sponge’ with Modric

New Milan signing Samuele Ricci admits he ‘didn’t hesitate’ when the Rossoneri made their offer and says he’ll have to be ‘like a sponge’ when he trains alongside Luka Modric.

Ricci was unveiled as a new Milan player at a press conference on Wednesday.

The Italy international has joined the Rossoneri in a €25m deal from Torino.

Ricci: ‘Best moment of my career’ after Milan move

“It’s the best moment of my career. Torino gave me a lot, I even made a post to thank them,” Ricci said via TMW.

“Now I’ve made an important choice and taken a big step. I’m at Milan, a club with great history and global prestige. I’m here to repay the trust the whole club has placed in me. I’ll give my best to do that.”

How was the approach with the new Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri?

“It was super positive. Obviously, he’s a great coach,” Ricci admitted.

“One of the most successful. The nice thing is that he’s always cheerful like us Tuscans, always ready with a joke. We get along really well.”

Did they talk about his role in the Milan XI?

“We haven’t had an in-depth discussion, but personally, the position I’m most comfortable in is as a holding midfielder in a three-man midfield. If the coach asks me to play full-back, I’ll do it,” Ricci replied.

“I talked to Matteo Gabbia, and he explained everything about the dressing room. He spoke very highly of it. As soon as I arrived, I felt part of a big family. Everyone is pulling in the same direction to help us perform at our best and feel good.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I didn’t hesitate for a second to choose Milan. I’ll try to repay the trust shown in me, on and off the pitch.”

Ricci excited to meet Leao at Milan

Ricci named the player he was looking forward to meeting at Milan.

“Probably Leao. You see him as an opponent and it’s clear he has something extra,” said the Italian.

“When you meet him, you realise that rumours about him are not true. He’s super calm and a really nice guy.”

Milan have sent Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, but will welcome Luka Modric after the Club World Cup.

“If somebody told me a few years ago, I would have said ‘impossible.’ I’ll be training with one of the world’s top midfielders,” Ricci said.

“It will be essential to learn a great deal from him, both on and off the pitch. I’ll have to be like a sponge, absorbing everything that can help my career, from him and the other teammates.

“Tijjani and I are different players. He had an amazing season, and he’s considered one of the best midfielders in the world. I don’t like comparisons,” Ricci continued.

“I might not score 10 goals, but I’m here to contribute to the team.”

Ricci has made 10 appearances with the Italy national team and was among the 35 players called by new Azzurri boss Gennaro Gattuso in June.

“I think Milan could be fundamental for my career with the Azzurri. It’s the right place to improve and grow,” said Ricci.

“I’m aware of the challenges ahead. When you take a significant step forward and train alongside top players. The competition intensifies. It’s part of the football career. I’ve already briefly spoken with coach Gennaro Gattuso on the phone, it meant a lot to me. He didn’t really talk about Milan; it was a quick chat.”

Lastly, Ricci confirmed that Milan’s primary target will be to qualify for the Champions League in the 2025-26 season.

“The main goal is to return to Europe. Beyond that, we just need to take it one day at a time. That’s what the coach told us. Then, at the end of the season, we’ll see..”