AC Milan

Nigel de Jong delighted with "dream" Milan move

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 07 September 2012

Nigel de Jong expresses his delight at becoming an AC Milan player and discusses the task of filling the gap left by the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Mark van Bommel.

Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has expressed his delight at becoming an AC Milan player.

The experienced trio of Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Mark van Bommel left the San Siro over the summer and De Jong knows that he has big shoes to fill.

"Coming here I have had a wonderful impression, even of the Milanello training complex," the 27-year-old told Sky Sports 24. "All players would like to train here and I'm happy to have joined AC Milan.

"It was not easy, I arrived on deadline day, but the group has welcomed me very well and I am very happy of that. AC Milan is in a transition season because some of the best players were sold and many veterans are gone.

"We have a young team that should be rebuilt but I am proud to be part of this project and I want to contribute to future successes. Watching the AC Milan of the '80s and early '90s I dreamed of playing here."

De Jong, who has signed a three-year contract with the Rossoneri, made his Serie A debut as a first-half substitute in place of Riccardo Montolivo during Saturday's 3-1 win over Bologna.