When he first arrived in Italy, there were no fans or journalists to great at the airport, and now Suso has become one of Milan’s and Serie A’s top players. The former Liverpool winger gave a wide ranging interview to the Guardian about his time in Italy, his past at Liverpool and all the changes at Milan
“It wasn’t an easy season. There were a lot of expectations. We had a difficult period and when Gattuso arrived everything improved. We’re working to arrive in Europe. The club changed a lot, they invested on the acquisition of numerous players: it’s never easy when you have such a big change. Compared to the start of the year we improved a lot, the team is improving. And then there are a lot of young players at Milan, one more reason why we need time, but we’re on the right path”
“Milan is an important part of my life and one of the five or six most important clubs in the world. When I arrived here it wasn’t easy: I didn’t play a lot, I went to Genoa on loan because I wanted to do well and play with the rossoneri’s jersey. Milan has always been my dream: when I was a kid I watched the champions that wore this jersey (he smiles). The fact that I play here is a reason to be proud and I’m thrilled to be here. One day I’ll be able to tell my son: your father played for Milan”
“Gattuso is impressive, he works 24 hours a day and only thinks about football. He likes the work, running, the struggle: after many years without Europe we see the light with him. I’m certain he’ll be a great manager, in a small amount of time we see he’s leaving a significant mark. But there’s more. Gattusoisn’t only charisma, he’s good tactically, both in the defensive and offensive phase. Then he knows how to talk to players, he always gets to the point, the communication with players is something that is fundamental”
“I’m very happy at Milan, when something came out I always said that I was happy at Milan and I believe the club is with me. Both the club and my agent wanted the clause. I’m happy here at Milan, if the club wants to continue to be big and count on me, I’m available”
“I arrived in England when I was 16 years old, I became a man before becoming a footballer. It was very hard, even just for the language and the lifestyle. I remember everything: I didn’t play much but I got to know Gerrard, see the affection of the Kop, being a teammate with players like Luis Suarez, Coutinho, Carragher… I’ll never forget my experience at Liverpool. Football in the Premier is different, I would call it special: I would like to play someday at Liverpool, I grew up there and Liverpool is a big club still today”
