EMERSON ROYAL: "I WANT TO REPAY THIS TRUST"

After Strahinja Pavlović and Álvaro Morata, it's time for Emerson Royal. The Brazilian full-back joins from Tottenham as the third new Rossoneri summer signing. With his first day as a Milanista on Monday 12 August behind him, it was time for him to meet with journalists in a press conference at Casa Milan. Here are the best bits. 

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ
"Welcome to Emerson Royal, a player we've been following for a long time. He's a physical, attacking player who plays with grit and intensity, offering various solutions to Coach Fonseca. Emerson is a great reinforcement for the team, and the manager will have a 'positive problem'. He was one of our targets, and finally, he's here. This is day 5 of the 7 days God took to create the world. He was very eager to come here and represent AC Milan, and that made the difference. The choice was simple. He has balance in attacking and defending, and a profile like his is perfect for the identity we're seeking. We follow our ideas and strategy. We're not in a rush. We want to build a compact, strong team. Gerry Cardinale is in town. We met over the past two days and are discussing many things".

EMERSON ROYAL

THE NEGOTIATION AND ENTHUSIASM
"I spoke at length with the Club, and it was always clear that AC Milan was the best option for me. I am very enthusiastic and eager. I am a new player with a future ahead of me because AC Milan has always had faith in me. In every team I've been with, I've always tried to bring leadership. I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. I will do my best for AC Milan. It was a great satisfaction for me to know that I attracted the interest of Zlatan and AC Milan. I will try to repay them on the pitch. I was also a bit anxious as time passed, but the most important thing is that I am here now".

THE BRAZILIAN LEGACY
"Milan has a history of great defenders like Thiago Silva and Cafu, all the Brazilians who have been here have left their mark. I also hope to write a great story with this Club. I arrive here very prepared and with a lot of conviction. You have a warrior to count on".

THE FIRST HOURS AT THE CLUB
"AC Milan is a Club that cares a lot about its players. Entering the Museum was a historic moment. I don't get emotional easily, but seeing all those trophies was incredible. For me, being here is truly a dream. Every Brazilian would love to come here and wear this shirt. It's an incredible honour and a significant moment. Now I can't wait to put on this shirt and step onto the pitch".

THE SQUAD AND PLAYING POSITION
"I'm here to help. My ideal position is right-back, but I've also played on the left or as a centre-back. I'm at the manager's disposal. I've watched the team's matches, and there are some excellent players. Regardless of the role, it will be a pleasure to share the pitch with them. They will be able to help me and show me the direction of the Club".

THE NUMBER 22 SHIRT
"The number 22 has a storied and illustrious history here at AC Milan. It belonged to Kaká and has always been significant to me as well. I wore it for the national team, and some of the most memorable moments in my career have been with this number. Carrying on this legacy is truly important to me".

 SERIE A
"This is a league different from those I’ve played in so far. Tactically, I’ve always felt comfortable and I don't think I will face any particular issues. I am eager to learn and improve; I’ve always been involved in both phases: defending and attacking. I will follow the team’s tactics and moments. At big clubs, you attack, and if I need to attack for 90 minutes, I’ll attack for 90 minutes".

Tickets are available for AC Milan v Torino and AC Milan v Venezia: see you at San Siro!