Chukwueze: ‘Fonseca warning, perfect Milan and Osimhen dream’ | OneFootball

Samuel Chukwueze reveals the Paulo Fonseca warning, why the new tactics are ‘perfect’ for him and his ‘dream’ of seeing Victor Osimhen at Milan.

The 25-year-old was a big investment last summer, making the transfer from Villarreal for €28m including add-ons, but he struggled to make an impact in his debut season.

There were only three goals and as many assists in 33 competitive appearances, but notably he only started 15 of those games.

“I have to prove that I belong at Milan and I think my moment has come. I arrived late, at the end of July, and it was a bit difficult to convince the coach when those who play in my position were scoring regularly. Coaches are prudent, that is natural. I had a good rapport with Stefano Pioli, he is a fantastic man and a good coach.”

When new coach Fonseca took over, he had some important words of warning.

The new Chukwueze is fired up for Milan

“He said: ‘Samuel, I don’t want to see the Chukwueze of last season. I want to see the Chukwueze that I saw at Villarreal.’ This is the only thing he told me. I said OK, no problem!” laughed the player to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I feel like I have been reborn. I am a new player now.”

Fonseca has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation where Christian Pulisic plays in a more central role, like a 10, leaving the right flank to the Nigerian and the left to Rafael Leao.

“It is perfect for me. Rafa is fast, Pulisic dribbles and scores, I can combine with one-twos. If they double up marking on Rafa, then they leave space for us.”

Who is faster at Milan, Leao or Chukwueze?

“Without the ball, him. With the ball, it’s me.”

The Nigeria international has a surprising, but pretty unlikely, ambition for the future.

“I would love to close my eyes, open them and see Osimhen at Milan. I always tell him, are you sure you don’t want to come? He replies: ‘Samuel, you know that’s difficult…’

“My favourite player of all time is Kaka and I’ve never met him. If one day he comes to San Siro, I’m dropping everything and going to see him!”