Milan, Ibrahimovic: “Sottil and Bondo have quality, pace and prospects”

Milan, February 6, 2025 - “We looked for players who were already playing in Italy like Bondo and Sottil. Warren covers spaces, runs a lot, does dirty work that is not always given credit for, but is fundamental. He is young and has room for growth, as does Sottil”.

Thus Zlatan Ibrahimovic in presenting Bondo and Sottil. Waiting for Joao Felix who, in any case, has already shown up alone against Roma. So Riccardo sottil, 25 years old, bought from Fiorentina, 5 goals and 3 assists this season: “Being here is a dream. I grew up with Milan, I had a weakness for Pato, Ronaldinho, Zlatan. My agent Riso called me and I didn't answer. He wrote to me: call back. When he told me that Milan wanted me, I called my father who already knew everything: a dream, with a little anxiety, but it went as I hoped”.

And again: “Expectations? Winning. I make myself available, I chose number 99 because it is the year I was born. When you arrive here you understand why Milan is great in everything: they take care of every detail. I have played several roles, Conceiçao asked me how I am and I answered very well. He will decide where to put me. Adli? At Fiorentina he had already spoken to me about Milan, a few days ago he wrote to me: make me dream”. Finally: “I know I will also have to defend, I know I have to repay the trust. Walker? He has won everything and he is still the first one to arrive in the gym. What a thrill to debut coming in together with Joao Felix, Gimenez, Leao... I was emotional when they announced my surname”.

Also featured warren bondo: he will be available next week, when he will have overcome a muscular problem he suffered in Monza. "Nesta had told me about the great champions who have been here. Also Maldini, Seedorf... Galliani was like a father and in Monza they did a lot for me. I should have arrived here five years ago, then I scored against Milan, then this summer there were also rumours... This time I have really arrived".

On expectations: “Here you have to win, regardless of the competition. We have to finish in the top four in the league and win trophies. I chose number 38 because I also had it at Monza. Galliani told me he would only let me go for Milan. I have had difficult times in the past, I arrived in Italy as a boy: but my family told me that sooner or later I would sign with Milan” On his role: “I can play in a two or three man midfield, I did it at Nancy in France and at Monza. Nesta spoke to me about Gattuso and Seedorf, he told me that I have to recover the ball and move forward. It's not easy in front of 80 thousand spectators, but he knew that I would get here and he always told me: you'll do well”