Samuel Chukwueze has declared that his move to AC Milan was by the influence of Nigerian red-hot striker Victor Osimhen.
The 24-year-old Nigerian International made his move to Italy after an early discussion broke down between Villarreal and AC Milan.
The Italian club led by Stefano Pioli finally completed the acquisition of the Nigerian forward in a deal reportedly worth 28 million euros and put pen to paper on a five-year contract plus add-ons, and performance-related bonuses.
After touching down in Milan on Wednesday, 26th of July, to begin his medicals, the Nigerian wasted no time in fulfilling his first media duty for the club, when he discussed why he had chosen the Rossoneri.
For the coming season at San Siro, Samuel Chukwueze has also opted to wear jersey No. 21.
Speaking during his first media session, Chukwueze said; “When I heard AC Milan wanted to sign me, I was a little bit nervous, and all over my social media, I saw Milan fans sending me messages to come to the club. They are amazing people. And the first impression was the fans, they are the ones who made me come here”.
“He (Osimhen) told me nice things about the club and advised me that I shouldn’t hesitate to sign with them. I told him I was going to win against him and we joked about seeing how that goes”.
He added; “Making this kind of move in my career is the most important for me and I can’t wait to start playing here. I can’t wait to hear the fans chant. You keep learning every time, that’s the most important thing, and after six years in Spain I think I have learned a lot which can further help me in Europe”.
Having spent the previous six years with the Yellow Submarines in La Liga, where he amassed 13 goals and 11 assists in 50 competitive games last season, the winger is eager to begin his new chapter in the Serie A outfit.
The 24-year-old played for Nigeria’s Diamond Football Academy before making the switch to Spain’s Villarreal in 2017.
After making his debut in September 2018, he played 207 times for the first team, scoring 37 goals and helping the club win the Europa League in 2021 against Manchester United.
He has also played 28 games for Nigeria, earning 28 caps, and contributing 4 goals.
The rapport between Chukwueze and Osimhen runs deep, having begun during Nigeria’s successful 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup campaign and continued in the senior national team.
Both football players have recently signed contracts to play in the Italian Serie A, where they will have the chance to face each other while competing for opposing teams.
The move to Milan by the Nigerian winger brings him into proximity to Super Eagles teammates Victor Osimhen who plays for Napoli and Ademola Lookman representing Atalanta.
As a result of Osimhen’s brilliant performance in Serie A last season, the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in the prolific striker.
Victor Osimhen has claimed that his heart’s desire will play a key factor in determining his destiny, despite receiving advice from numerous football legends over his probable move.
Negotiations between his agent and Napoli over a new contract have been delayed, raising the prospect of the former Lille forward leaving the club this summer or in 2025, when his current deal is set to expire.
In addition, with Samuel Chukwueze now playing for AC Milan, he may convince his best friend to stay in Serie A, increasing their chances of achieving dominance as a duo.
The progress of the two Nigerians in Serie A will be closely monitored, as their influence on each other.
What’s next for Samuel Chukwueze?
The newly acquired AC Milan winger will join his new teammates in camp as they will continue their pre-season tour when they’ll lock horns with Barcelona on Wednesday, 2nd of August, 2023.
