Charles is here! The Belgian arrived just a few days ago into the Rossonero universe and, having been made official, has already participated in his first training session with his new teammates. De Ketelaere appeared at a press conference, broadcasted live from Milan on AC Milan Official App, Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch. Here is what he had to say:
WANTING AC MILAN
"The last few weeks have been intense and complicated but they have ended in the best possible way. The two clubs contacted each other and I told my my agent that I wanted to wear the AC Milan shirt. The most important thing for me was to come here. I love the fans' passion, football is a passionate sport where you play for the fans. I'm aware that I need to adapt to a higher level but I'm happy and ready for it."
A YOUNG MILAN
"It was very important to see young players develop and do well here. The club's focus and attention in helping young talent had a crucial role in me deciding to come here. The squad has got stronger in giving chances to promising youngsters, and I hope to get my chances as well."
MALDINI AND KAKÁ
"Paolo is a legend of the Club. It was a huge honour to speak with him and he's still a huge figure today. But overall, the ideas and the project for the Club were the deciding factors in me coming here. Kaká was just an outstanding player; I have my style and qualities, which are different, but I hope I can bring to AC Milan what he brought."
THE FIRST DAYS IN MILAN
"Here at Milanello, I have been surprised by the workload and intensity from everyone but it's shown me how and why they became Champions. I'm still settling in, I still need to get to know the dynamics of the group and the individuals. I have only done a couple of training sessions but I have been welcomed into the group by my new teammates. I am still getting to know about everything but my early impressions are really positive."
POSITION
"I possess good technical abilities, and can provide assists and score goals. With regards to my position on the pitch, I see myself as a trequartista, or as an out and out striker, but I'm also comfortable as a false number nine. In any case, I prefer to be near the leading striker."
NATIONAL TEAM AMBITIONS
"I've spoken with the Head Coach, he agreed with my decision to come here. I need to show that I deserve a place in the national side, playing as often as I can so I can be called up for the World Cup."
DEBUT
"I'm feeling good and can't wait to play tomorrow. The Head Coach has told me that I'll get some minutes on the pitch and I'm eager to get out there. It has been an intense and hectic few days with testing and training sessions but I hope to strike up connections straight away. I wore the number 90 shirt at Bruges and it brought me luck so I've decided to keep it."
NEXT OPPONENTS AND EUROPE
"There are many great players in Serie A but there's no-one I'm particularly looking forward to face. I'm just concentrating on getting better and helping out my teammates. Doing well in the Champions League is one of our aims for this season; it won't be easy but I'm certain we'll give everything to get out of the group and reach the final stages."
IBRA'S WELCOME
"I believe I'll learn lots from him. He's got a lot of experience in European football, just as many other teammates have, more than me that's for sure, so I'm gonna learn a lot from everyone. To have him near me in the changing rooms will be emotional."
PERSONAL INTERESTS
"Off the field, I'm a relaxed person, I love to stay with my family and I try to follow other sports. In the past, I played Tennis until I was 12 years old, but then I had to choose and football was the obvious choice."
The AC Milan 2022/23 season tickets are now available: #UnaStoriaUnica, see you at San Siro!