Santiago Gimenez only arrived in January, but he is hoping to be everything AC Milan needed at that point and before by helping the club reach the Champions League.
As early as December, there were fears that Milan may not be able to reach Europe’s prestige competition, even if some big results had arrived until that point. Unfortunately, though, the Rossoneri have had consistency issues all season.
Big wins have been and gone, and the remnants are poor performances against, with respect, lesser sides, whether that be domestically or in Europe.
Despite this, the focus is still on earning Champions League football next season, with the club needing the financial wealth that the competition brings, and Gimenez is adamant that the team can still achieve a fourth-placed finish.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, the Mexican touched on a range of different topics, whilst also giving an update on his condition ahead of this weekend’s action, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
How are you after the international break?
“Everything’s fine, I’m fine. On Sunday in Naples, I will be there. Playing at the Maradona? Maradona does not only belong to the Argentinians, he is a world heritage. It will be a great emotion to play in the stadium that bears his name. Winning helps you win. But now I want a title with Milan. That’s why I’m here.”
First months at Milan…
“They were very intense. Especially off the pitch. I adapted to a new city, a new environment. Now I want to do what I came for. The goals will come. I’m sure they will. The important thing, though, is to win, as we did in the last two games.
“If Rafa Leao or Christian Pulisic or another team-mate scores, it’s the same. With Conceicao, we are working hard. We are not happy with the classification. But it’s not over yet. We believe in it. Changes are always a bit complicated.
“I’m still not at my level. But I’m growing, I’m getting to know the opponents, the teams. There is great pressure here. And it’s beautiful. I know I can do it. Also thanks to Diós’ hand.”
Faith…
“When I was 17, I was diagnosed with thrombosis in my arm, I had three operations, and I was out of action for six months. At a certain point, the doctors told me clearly that if the last test didn’t go well, I would have to stop football. It was there that I met Diós in my life.
“I prayed that he would not end my dream of becoming a footballer. Everything went well. What does ‘Soldado de Cristo’ mean? There is a passage in the Bible that talks about the armour of God. The shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It is a passage I love. I am here to fulfil its purpose.
“First of all, as a man, then as a footballer. It’s my mission.”
Expectations from the fans…
“It’s an honour. San Siro is indescribable for those who have never been there. I know they expect a lot from me, because they are rightly demanding, for the great centre-forwards of the past. Ibra, Kaka, Ronaldinho. I scored a lot of goals at Feyenoord. It’s time to start scoring them with Milan too.
“So many followers on social media? Social networks are precious, but only if you use them well. I want to be an example, to show with my story that, with Diòs next to me, everything is possible.”
Champions League and the derby…
“Fourth place possible? Yes. But we mustn’t look at the standings. We only think about winning match by match. Like the Coppa Italia. I can’t wait to play the derby, I’m anxious.”
