This morning, AC Milan have held a press conference to unveil new signing Ardon Jashari. The midfielder discussed several things, from his move to his goals.
The saga with Jashari took far too long to solve. However, Milan eventually got their man, and Jashari got his dream move. There were certainly issues from both sides, and in the future, it may become even more difficult to work with Club Brugge.
For now, though, the focus is solely on his future, with Igli Tare able to present his big signing to Massimiliano Allegri. It does go beyond that; in fact, reports suggest that everyone within the Rossoneri wanted the midfielder.
Jashari’s press conference
After playing at the weekend, just a few days after signing, today was the first day that he could fulfil his final media duties. So, in front of a crowded press room, Jashari answered questions about his move, as MilanNews relays.
Have you rediscovered the idea you had of Milan now?
“My feelings about this club are incredible. It’s a dream come true, not just for me but also for my family. I’ve only been here a short time, but I’ve received a great welcome from everyone. I’m settling in well. It’s an honour to be here.”
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It was a long negotiation to get here…
“Everyone knows it was a long negotiation, but from the first contacts with Milan, it was clear that I wanted to come here. I knew it wouldn’t be easy because I was important to Club Brugge and they wouldn’t let me go easily. Patience was needed. Tare always told me he’d do everything he could to bring me here. Even though other clubs came, I only wanted Milan. Now we’re all happy.”
What struck you about Allegri?
“I’ve been here for a week, but I can only say positive things about Allegri and his staff. I immediately realised he’s a coach who cares about the team. There’s great harmony in the locker room. Then we all go out there to win.”
Is the biggest difficulty the expectations that have been created?
“The only thing I have in common with De Ketelaere is that we came from the same club, but we’re two different players. I feel a bit of pressure, but anyone who wears this shirt knows the pressure, so it’s all normal. I’ll work hard to make the fans proud and repay the club’s faith in me. I’ll work hard to become a top player.”
When you supported AC Milan, who was your idol?
“My favourite AC Milan player was Pirlo. I have a similar story to his; he started out as a No. 10, and so do I. Then he came here and played as a playmaker. I also started out as an attacking midfielder, and now I play further back. He was a huge inspiration to me. Obviously, we’re different players; I’ll play my own style.”
Were you also surprised by the performance against Leeds? What’s your goal for the season?
“I thank Allegri for his kind words after Leeds. I hadn’t played a game in two months, I struggled a bit to get back into the swing of things, but I felt good on the pitch. I’d been training with the team for two days, but I wanted to make a good impression on everyone. I have plenty of room for improvement and will continue to grow. Our goals? We need to win as many trophies as possible; this club deserves so many trophies. I’ll try to give my best in every match.”
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What’s it like playing with Modric?
“This club has had fantastic players, and I’m proud to wear the same shirt as them. Modric has a lot of experience, which can help me a lot every day. I’ll try to have fun and enjoy playing with him, and then try to grow with him.”
Are you imagining the first match at San Siro?
“When I was little, I came to see AC Milan play Barcelona. I’ve always dreamed of being a footballer, and I grew up with these two teams. I struggle to find the right words to express how I feel about being here.”
When did you hear about Milan?
“It was a great season with Club Brugge, and I wanted to finish it on a high note, without worrying about the rumours. As soon as it finished, my agent told me that Milan could be an option. Then, while I was on vacation, he told me about Milan’s interest, and I spoke to Tare about the project. Now my dream has come true.”
What role do you see yourself in best?
“Allegri will decide where to deploy me. There’s a lot of rotation in midfield, so we need to play in multiple positions. We’ll see how Allegri wants to play. I can play as a number 10 or a number 6; the coach will decide.”
Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
Do you feel like a winner? Did your friend Xhaka help you with this?
“Xhaka had a great career and is still a great player. I learned a lot from him; we grew up with the same determination and fire. We always give everything, we have that ‘Grinta’; when we’re on the pitch, we always want to win. I want to contribute and transmit my fire to the team. Often, the team that wants it the most wins.”
What do you think of the derby with Inter? Had Inter approached you in the past?
“I’ve always wanted to come to Milan. As soon as I heard about their interest, I had no doubts. Even if other Italian teams had been interested, I only wanted Milan. I know how important the derby is for the fans; we’ll give everything to beat Inter.”
What do you expect from Italian football?
“It’s a different level than in Belgium, much more physical. But I have to say that football is growing a lot in Belgium. It’s a dream to play for AC Milan and to play in Serie A. Playing in Serie A with the AC Milan shirt is what I’ve always wanted.”
Is there any classmate who particularly impressed you?
“The thing that struck me most was the harmony between the teams, the coach, and the staff. The first time I saw Modric next to me, it was incredible. He makes small gestures that make things easier for you on the pitch.”
What impact did Ibrahimovic have?
“It was a great negotiation between me and Milan. I was treated well by Tare, and then I spoke with Ibrahimovic too. He introduced me to the club. During these weeks of negotiations, Tare gave me great confidence that he would eventually bring me to Milan. When you deal with people like that, you also do that little bit extra to get there. I want to thank everyone who worked to close this deal. I especially thank Tare; we’re here to start a new era.”
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Is it more important for you to be an attacker or a defender?
“I’ll help the team in both phases. I’ll provide assists and then defend with all my fire. The first thing is not to concede goals, then we have the quality to score up front. I want to help the team both defensively and offensively.”
What photo would you like to take at the end of this season?
“The most important thing is to be successful with the club. On a personal level, it’s about feeling good and making my contribution. I want to win as much as possible; it’ll be a great season.”
Do you want to score more and make more assists?
“Every player loves to score goals and provide assists. I’ll try to help the team in both phases, then I’ll think about goals and assists. It doesn’t matter if I score or my teammates do; the important thing is to win.”
What ambition did you find at Milan?
“They’re very high. The goal is to win matches, and if you win matches, then you win trophies.”