Gimenez discusses ‘dream’ Milan move, idolising Zlatan and picking shirt number | OneFootball

AC Milan’s new striker Santiago Gimenez has once again spoken about his dream move, while also confirming he is over his recent injury.

Gimenez became Milan’s second signing of the winter transfer window, joining from Feyenoord in a deal widely reported to be worth around €35m, with Alvaro Morata leaving the club.

There is great curiosity surrounding the Mexican striker, who was chosen by the management to try and fix the evident problem of goals that have not come from the strikers that arrived during the summer window.

‘El Bebote’ was signed from Feyenoord where he played for two and a half years, scoring 65 goals in all competitions. It is probable that he will make his debut tomorrow night against Roma in the Coppa Italia.

Gimenez spoke to the reporters who gathered at Casa Milan for his unveiling press conference, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

What are your emotions after joining Milan?

“One of my main dreams since I was a kid was to play in Europe and I made it come true. And now that I’m in Europe I wanted to play in a big club and leave my mark.”

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How are you physically? Are you available to face Roma?

“I actually had a small injury in the last match, but now I’m very ready.”

Can you give us any background on how the move came about?

“First of all, even though they were following me since the last transfer market, I tried to focus on the game. The family and the group behind me made it possible. I am a man of faith and I left everything in God’s hands.”

How many goals do you think you can score?

“I can promise that I will do everything possible. I don’t believe in individualism but in team play. This is a competitive team that can win a lot. I don’t promise X number of goals but I will do my best.”

What is your best quality, and who is a striker you look up to?

“One player I follow is Zlatan. I feel this responsibility, it’s wonderful for me. Strong points? Passion, power. Then there will be details to iron out, which I will do here.”

Image: AC Milan

How difficult was it to convince Feyenoord to let you go?

“Zlatan and my representatives should answer this, they are the ones who pushed. I just had to play and leave everything in God’s hands. We players do not enter into negotiations and arguments, we think about playing.”

What is the meaning of the number 7 shirt? Were you afraid that the deal would fall through?

“Since the offer in the summer, Milan has always been a dream and a goal. I only focus on working and playing, knowing that the doors were always open.

“The number 7 has many meanings, first of all it was available and then it is Shevchenko’s number. And in the Bible it’s the perfect number, choosing it was simple.”