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Okocha backs Chukwueze to shine at Milan

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 3, 2023

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has backed Samuel Chukwueze to succeed at his new Italian club, AC Milan despite his slow start to his Rossoneri career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chukwueze, 24, joined AC Milan over the summer after five impressive seasons with Villarreal in Spain but has been slowly integrated into Stefano Pioli’s team so far, with six of his seven Serie A appearances coming from the bench ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The 1994 African Cup of Nations winner and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist believes the Nigeria international has all the tools to thrive at the San Siro.

Speaking with LiveScore, Okocha said, “He’s been outstanding in the last few years now.

“He’s been faced with a new challenge and it’s all about how quickly he can adjust.

“Language is always important because it’s always good to be able to communicate but his talent is never in doubt.

“I think he’s a great addition to the Milan team and I have no doubt that he will do well.”

The former Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton star also added that the trio Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne and Rafael Leao from AC Milan are the current players who reminds him of himself.

“Well, I think things have changed. It’s difficult really for players now to express themselves,” the 50-year-old continued.

“I had the luxury to have my identity and to try and show what I can do with the ball. But now they are all limited.

“You can say that maybe (Kylian) Mbappe looks exciting, as well as (Kevin) De Bruyne, (Rafael) Leao from AC Milan as well.

“Apart from that, it’s hard for me to pick out one that really has that freedom to express himself.

“It’s now about finding the right moment to do it for the team. Not just for the heck of it!”

He also revealed that his four-year spell at Bolton Wanderers under Sam Allardyce was the most memorable of his career

He said, “I’m always proud of what I achieved with the boys at Bolton.

“Bolton was never really an established Premier League side until we went there and made life difficult for some big boys. I had a great four years there.

“Those moments will always remain happy memories because it was amazing to see how the whole town was then — football impacted their daily lives.

“Sometimes that means a lot more to the people than trophies.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 3, 2023