Andrea Conti has spoken to il Corriere dello Sport and MilanTV, saying, among other things, that he chose the Diavolo as ‘it was crucial to be the protagonist of such an important project’.

It has been a month since Conti officially left the Nerazzurri colors of Atalanta for the Rossoneri jersey of Milan, signing a five-year contract after the two clubs had agreed a deal for €25m plus the card of 20-year-old midfielder Matteo Pessina.

The right back has arrived to replace Ignazio Abate in the short and long term and he got his first taste of San Siro last Thursday when he played from the start in the 2-0 win over Romanian side Craiova.

Conti and the squad are now training ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Real Betis in Catania (20:45 CET kickoff) and the Europa League playoff round against KF Shkëndija (August 17th, 20:45 CET).

“What does it mean playing at Milan at the age of 23? It’s the crowing of a dream,” Conti told il CdS. “I wanted Milan, the first – and as far as I was concerned only – team that wanted me. This is an important opportunity at a great club, their call honored me, not least because I wanted them more than anyone else.

“Until last year Milan was not winning and unconvincing? This factor was important for my choice. In the last few years, Milan haven’t been the Milan we’ve always known, but for me it was crucial to be the protagonist of such an important project, to bring this club back to the top of world football.

“If it’s not a bit of a reckless bet to take for a young player? No, it’s a beautiful challenge, more unique than rare, an opportunity which won’t come along again. Milan is the dream of every child.

“The fact that I scored 8 goals with Atalanta last season? I was certainly helped by the fact that I played in a more advanced role, in midfield. But going back to four at the back, I don’t know if I can get back to these levels. However, I have a clear propensity to attacking play, I often push forward.

“The thing people are impressed with is my aggression in the offensive department? This is definitely my main feature. I can’t be passive, I prefer to be aggressive. Perhaps many times I’m too aggressive, I press offensively. I have to be in good condition physically? I try to live my life as healthy as possible. My power supply has never been an issue. My hobby? I think it’s better to rest and relax.

“In my role, I’ve always admired [Paris Saint-Germain’s] Dani Alves, and [Real Madrid’s] Sergio Ramos when he played at full-back. I’ve also been inspired by those closer to my reality like [Man United’s] Darmian and [Juventus’] De Sciglio, so I always followed them very closely.

“The secret of Atalanta and young players [they are known to have a good Youth Sector]? It’s like a big family that welcomes and it’s as if you were at your own home. There is courage to wait for you, always and unlike in the big teams. The pressure at Milan is different? It’s not a problem, I’m used to the pressures. I do not suffer from it and it’s my opponents who should be more careful with me.

“Where should I improve? Definitely in the defensive phase, in the diagonal, in the posture of the body in 1v1. And then I have to be more careful when I protest, when there is something that is against me. I react, I can’t hold back, and I have to try not to get too many yellows. Why it’s difficult to face a fullback like Andrea Conti? I play simple. I’m fast and very determined.

“When I realized that I can become a top player? When I went from the Primavera of Atalanta to Perugia at Lega Pro. At that time, I started to feel what real football is. But I was always convinced since I was a boy that I would make it as a player. It seems that I have settled down immediately at Milan? Yes, I didn’t suffer from the change, I arrived on my tiptoes. Who’s everyone’s companion? Marco Storari. He has the enthusiasm of a boy, he’s a real people person.

“Going to play as a winger to score more goals? On the course of the match I can do it, but I’m no Suso in direct duels. I don’t have Ricardo Rodriguez’s feet when it comes to crossing either. In short, I still have a lot to learn. The turn of my career? Having met a coach like Gian Piero Gasperini who got more from me. He has changed my life without too much pressure, without exaggerating it. He knows how to deal with young players because he comes from the base.

“If Milan’s goal is to return to the UCL, then what is mine? The World Cup in 2018. Last season I concentrated on the Under 21 EURO, now I want to conquer the Azzurri jersey as soon as possible.”

Conti also spoke to MilanTV: “My first month at Milan? An absolutely positive month. All the positive feelings I had at the beginning are still there, I am very happy to be here, to work with such great teammates, brilliant teammates and amazing people. I hope it call continues this way.

“Player with the Milan shirt in the Europa League? It was very exciting. Playing at San Siro was wonderful, in front of so many people. It was just an incredible feeling I was cheered even though I missed a scoring opportunity? Well, I didn’t even realize, it all happened very fast. Of course, the crowd’s support is always nice because they support you also in moment that are not that positive.

“Tomorrow’s friendly against Real Betis? It’s a very important match, an opportunity to continue improve our physical condition, because the following match will be the Europa League playoff so we have to arrive to this game in our best form. The fact that we face teams from different leagues in this pre-season? These games are important to get used to European competitions, because playing in the Europa League is totally different than playing in the domestic league.

“So, they are an excellent opportunity for us since our objective is to compete in the Europa League. Playing in a 4-man defense? It’s been going well. It’s not the typical 4-man defense since the coach wants the fullbacks to play more up the pitch, which makes things much easier for me.

“I’m looking forward to continue improving.” La Gazzetta dello Sport expects Montella to use his almost-strongest XI against Real Betis, including Leonardo Bonucci and Lucas Biglia.