West Ham midfielder Antonio Nocerino has revealed that he left AC Milan in the January transfer window in order to secure regular first-team football as he still has hopes of making Italy’s World Cup squad this summer.
The 28-year-old, who was signed from Palermo in August 2011, had enjoyed a good debut season with the Rossoneri only to find himself fall down the pecking order over the past season and a half.
As a result, he was sent out on loan to Premier League side West Ham until the end of this season.
“I left Milan because I felt I needed to play more often,” he stated to Sky Sport Italia.
“My goal is, of course, to play as many games as possible because I still have aspirations to feature in the [upcoming] World Cup.”
Nocerino also took the time to offer his opinions on the differences between football in the two countries, both on and off the pitch.
“In England, you have to go at full speed constantly, otherwise, your opponents will simply destroy you. Physical strength and top fitness, naturally are key to succeeding here.
“Whereas in Italy there is more focus on tactical work. And, when you’re not on the pitch, people really don’t care what you do.”
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