The agent of Lucas Paqueta has discussed his decision to join Milan, as well as the secret behind how he’s managed to settle so quickly with us.
After joining us in January, the 21-year-old has been an ever-present in Gennaro Gattuso’s starting line-up and has contributed a goal and two assists in eight appearances.
SEE MORE: Krzysztof Piatek proves capable of firing Milan into Champions League and beyond
Having moved from Brazil, it’s undoubtedly hugely impressive to see Paqueta adapt and adjust to the European style of play so quickly, as although there are still flaws in his game, for a young player to show such maturity and quality is impressive.
With that in mind, credit must also go to Leonardo and Paolo Maldini for not only identifying Paqueta as a target, but for pushing to sign him with a view that he will be a vital part of our short term and long term future.
His agent, Eduardo Uram, has been speaking with Calciomercato, and revealed the secret behind his client’s ability to settle so quickly and why they decided that Milan were the team for him at a critical stage of his career in moving to Europe.
“I’m very happy with how Milan have welcomed him and I have to say that it all started well,” he began. “Lucas is playing very well but I think the whole team is doing a great job. The results are coming and the team expresses itself in a great way, we’re only at the beginning and he’s aware that there is still a lot to do to reach the goals that the club has set itself.
“Gattuso has given him great support since the first day. Lucas arrived in Milan and found a Coach ready to offer advice, to make him feel like an integral part of his tactical project immediately. I haven’t spoken directly with Gattuso, but Lucas talks about him very highly, both from a human and a football point of view. He is happy to have him as a coach.
“Since Lucas was a child, he has developed a winning, strong mentality. He trusts his ability and works day by day to improve himself. He prepared himself mentally, he knew what awaited him at Milan. He looked at Italian football, he studied the details to be ready right away. He knew the club had great confidence in him and wanted to be ready.
‘He had already chosen after talking to two great leaders like Leonardo and Maldini. He was offered a very important sporting project, in which he would play a role that convinced us. He has always seen in Milan a perfect club for him, for his time in Europe. They moved swiftly and forcefully and closed a deal. We’re very happy with the choice made.”
There are so many fascinating points in what Uram had to say, specifically though Paqueta studying Italian football before his arrival, his relationship with Gattuso and the fact that they see Milan as a “perfect club for him”.
What Paqueta has been able to contribute thus far hasn’t come through luck, as evidently his commitment and quality speaks for itself and it’s hoped he can maintain his form and reliability between now and the end of the campaign.
Gattuso though will surely be delighted to have been able to count on him so soon to ensure that we remain on course to secure Champions League qualification.