Emerson Royal’s father-agent discusses Milan ‘pressure’, Galatasaray links and Walker’s arrival | OneFootball

The agent of Emerson Royal has provided an update on his injury recovery, while also addressing the rumours that the defender was heading for Galatasaray.

It was reported back on January 22 that Emerson was ‘one step away’ from leaving Milan, with his father and agent in Italy to work on a potential exit. Galatasaray were the club that seemed to be closest to landing him, but Everton and Fulham in the Premier League were also mentioned.

He started the game against Girona in the Champions League that same night and disaster struck within the first couple of minutes as he went down with a fully torn muscle.

Any move was naturall postponed, and a lot has changed in the almost two months have passed since. First and foremost, Kyle Walker was signed in the winter and is now the starting right-back.

The player’s father and agent, Emerson Zulu, shed light on the full-back’s recovery plan, how his first season is going and the speculation about a move to Turkey during an interview with MilanNews.

How is Emerson Royal?

“He’s fine. Of course, he’s disappointed about the injury, but now that he’s close to returning, he’s enthusiastic. The stoppage came at a less than ideal time, but injuries are part of the game and now the goal is to come back stronger.”

Did you expect to encounter difficulties in these first few months in Italy?

“Every transition has its challenges: new country, new people, a different culture. Despite the similarities between Brazil and Italy, being a country with more than 30 million Italian descendants, the adaptation takes time.

“The pressure is always there, whether from the fans, the media or the agents. But Royal manages all of this well, he has solid emotional control.”

In January, a move to Galatasaray seemed done, but it seemed to have fallen through due to Emerson’s injury. What can you tell us about it?

“For us, there was never a concrete negotiation. We didn’t believe it would happen and we knew little about it. It was a rumor that appeared and disappeared quickly.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Kyle Walker arrived in January, a right-back like Emerson. How do you see this competition?

“We think the signing is a positive one. It is essential to have more than one player for that role. Also, Royal is not just a full-back: he is versatile, a real tactical chameleon, capable of adapting to different positions on the pitch.”

What are his next targets?

“The goal is clear: to do what is expected of Royal, to contribute, to give my best and to help the team win titles.”

A message for Milan fans?

“Patience, resilience and heart are fundamental. Pressure is part of the game, and we are often our own harshest critics. But the support of the fans is essential. For Royal, wearing the shirt means commitment and passion. It’s in his DNA and he loves Milan.”