Koni De Winter, AC Milan`s recent acquisition, has shared his philosophy on earning playing time, stating he won`t make forceful demands. He also reflected on his transfer from Genoa, considering it a smart deal for Milan, and offered insights into what makes Luka Modric an unparalleled figure in football.
The young defender joined the Rossoneri this summer in a deal worth €20 million, potentially rising by another €5 million in performance-based add-ons. Despite the significant investment, De Winter has only featured in four matches this season. He acknowledges the fierce competition for places within the squad at his new club.
Speaking to a Belgian outlet, De Winter emphasized his self-critical nature and strong ambition to establish himself as a first-team regular. “I know I have to earn that position,” he stated. “I don`t have the standing to demand opportunities. While I wouldn`t shy away from discussing playing time with the coach if I genuinely felt it was deserved, currently, humility is key. My hope is that strong performances in the minutes I receive will ultimately lead to more opportunities.”
AC Milan Awaits De Winter`s Full Potential
De Winter had several options before ultimately choosing AC Milan, with clubs like Inter, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur, and others reportedly interested. He explained his decision: “This is AC Milan we`re talking about, one of Europe`s football giants. I grew up watching legends like Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, and David Beckham play for them in the Champions League, even without premium channels. That allure never fades.”
He continued, “When AC Milan calls, you don`t think twice. While other prominent Italian and English clubs, and even lucrative offers from the Middle East, made inquiries, moving for money wasn`t my priority at this stage. My focus was on advancing my sporting career, and this transfer felt absolutely perfect.”
De Winter believes Milan secured him at a reasonable price, considering the current transfer market. “Given the recent inflation in transfer fees, I think Milan got a favorable deal,” he remarked. “Genoa certainly didn`t overcharge, and I value their cooperative approach, which allowed the negotiations to proceed swiftly and conclude within a few days.”
The speed of the transfer was such that news of the agreement reached fans before De Winter himself. “Fabrizio Romano announced it before I even knew!” he recalled. “I saw posts on Instagram about Koni De Winter joining Milan, and then my phone went wild. Soon after, my agents confirmed we were close to finalizing the deal.”
At just 23, De Winter now shares a locker room with the evergreen Luka Modric, who continues to dictate play at 40 years old in Serie A. Having previously played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, De Winter was asked to compare the two footballing titans.
“It`s tough to compare them directly; they`re incredibly different players, both outstanding,” De Winter explained. “Modric, though, has truly amazed me. His footballing intellect is on another level; he processes the game faster than anyone else. When you couple that with his exceptional skill, it`s just remarkable.”
De Winter also praised Modric`s character: “Off the pitch, Luka is equally impressive. He`s humble and always prioritizes the team, despite his extraordinary achievements. He never complains. If someone with his stature doesn`t complain, why should anyone else? If Luka were here, he would genuinely engage with you about your life. That kind of demeanor is rare in professional football.”
