Adel Taarabt has said that he wants to become as important to AC Milan as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.
The 24-year-old Morocco international, who joined the Italian giants on loan from Queens Park Rangers in January, has scored two goals in three Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.
"I am not surprised with my performances at Milan so far," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know what I can do and I feel like an important player at Milan. I want to become the Messi of Milan.
"Players like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are an inspiration. I am not at their level yet, but it's my objective to get there. I still have to prove myself, but I believe in my own qualities.
"When Milan signed me, I told myself that I have to grab this opportunity with both hands. I have already thrown away four years and cannot afford to waste any more time. I have little time to convince Milan, but I want to take this chance."
Milan are currently ninth in Serie A with 35 points from 25 matches.