Pervis Estupiñán expressed that joining AC Milan is a childhood dream come true. In his first interview after transferring from Brighton on Thursday, he also discussed his potential partnership with Rafael Leão on the Rossoneri`s left flank and revealed Roberto De Zerbi`s advice about playing in Serie A.
Estupiñán`s move to the Rossoneri is a permanent transfer from Premier League club Brighton, reportedly costing €17 million plus €2 million in bonuses. The 27-year-old has signed a five-year contract extending until summer 2030. He will wear the No. 2 shirt in his first season at San Siro, making him the first Ecuadorian player to represent the Rossoneri.
Estupiñán`s Full Interview Highlights
“I`m truly happy, truly excited. Being at such a big club is a childhood dream,” Estupiñán stated in his first interview after joining Milan. He continued, “I`m so glad this dream has come true. All the hard work has paid off, and now I`m just excited to get started and perform well here.”
“When my agent informed me of Milan`s interest, I told him it would be a great idea. This is a massive club, everyone knows that. You pay attention when you receive an offer from Milan. I`m delighted and can`t wait to get started. I want to start already.”
Estupiñán joins Milan as the replacement for Theo Hernandez, who moved to Al-Hilal earlier in this transfer window after six years with the club.
Theo had a highly successful partnership with Leão on Milan`s left flank for years. Estupiñán was asked if he is also looking forward to linking up with the Portuguese star under Massimiliano Allegri this season.
He replied: “I`m truly happy to get to play with a top player like Rafael Leão. I`ve always watched him extensively. I`ll learn from him, and I`ll also try to help him in any way I can so we can strengthen the left flank.”
Estupiñán was also asked if his former Brighton coach, Roberto De Zerbi, who began his playing career in the Rossoneri youth teams, had given him any advice about playing for Milan.
He said: “I haven`t had the chance to talk with him about it, but when I played under him at Brighton, he always spoke highly of the Italian league.”
“He would say that the fans live for football, that they are truly passionate. He said it was quite similar to South America. As someone from South America, it makes me proud to hear that.”
When asked about being the first Ecuadorian player to represent Milan, he replied:
“I`m so happy to make history. This is a truly big step for me, such a big step to sign for such a big club. Of course, it`s big news in my country because there are many Milan fans there too. Obviously, I`m the first Ecuadorian to play for Milan, which is amazing. I`ve received a lot of messages. There are also many Ecuadorians living in Italy and here in Milan. It makes me proud to be part of history.”
“I hope to win many titles, to be happy, and to bring happiness to our supporters. I can`t wait to start working with the team. I promise to do my best and work my hardest to make the fans happy.”
