‘I Must Not Waste This Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity’: Chukwueze Vows to Adapt to Amorim’s New Milan Role
Samuel Chukwueze has welcomed the new role handed to him by AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim, insisting he is determined to work hard, listen to his coach and seize what he describes as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
The Nigeria international has emerged as one of Milan’s most impressive players during pre-season after returning from a loan spell at Fulham.
Chukwueze starred in the friendly against Manchester United, scoring once and providing two assists, including passes for Cissè and Gonçalo Ramos.
Amorim has been experimenting with Chukwueze as an inverted wide midfielder in his 3-4-2-1 system, a position the Nigerian admits is new to him but one he is ready to embrace.
‘Yes, although it is a position I have to adapt to because I have never played in this position in my career,’ Chukwueze told Gazzetta dello Sport.
‘As a footballer, if a coach wants you to play in this position, you have to do it believing in yourself and also in the coach, because he knows what he wants.’
Chukwueze believes Amorim’s confidence has given him renewed motivation after a difficult spell at Milan, where he struggled for regular opportunities before joining Fulham on loan last season.
‘He is a good coach. He trusts me and so he gave me an opportunity. Now it’s up to me to seize it,’ he said. ‘He simply gave me confidence and I think I have to take advantage of it. I must not waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is to return to Milan after the loan.’
The 26-year-old acknowledged that he still has plenty to learn in his unfamiliar position and praised Amorim and the coaching staff for helping him improve during training.
‘It’s the first time I’ve played in this position, so I keep working hard. I have to improve with every training. I think the coaching staff is helping me. The coach is also helping me,’ Chukwueze said.
‘I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, I can do anything.’
Chukwueze also expressed his delight with Milan’s pre-season victory over Manchester United and said the team is determined to begin the Serie A campaign with a win.
‘We’ve been working hard all week and we’re preparing well for the season. We want to start Serie A with a victory, to have the confidence that everyone needs. It is essential that the fans and the club also believe in us,’ he said.
The Nigerian also praised new attacking teammate Gonçalo Ramos, describing the striker as someone he enjoys playing alongside.
‘He’s a fantastic striker, one you want to play with. He knows when to come towards him, he is good in the air and attacks the depth behind the defenders. I think he’s a great guy,’ Chukwueze said.
