AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has revealed that he aims to help the Diavolo earn a place back in the Champions League and secure a spot in Italy’s national team this season.
The 21-year-old played an important part in the Rossoneri’s 3-1 victory over Lazio on Sunday by assisting his team’s first goal of the match and he admits that he’s finally fit again and ready to do his best for the San Siro outfit along with his country’s national team.
El Shaarawy spoke during a press conference from Coverciano where he’s training with the Azzurri about his objectives for the season and the departure of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, while also commenting on his hopes to please Italy boss Antonio Conte and Milan coach Pippo Inzaghi.
“I’m glad to be playing again and I feel good physically,” said the Italian international. “This is even despite the sadness of our country’s early exit from the World Cup.
“Conte and Inzaghi? They have given me so much, I hope to repay their confidence. They made me understand that they both have a lot of confidence in me.
“Both are motivators and what they want shows through their players.
“The farewell to Balotelli? I’ve wished a lot of good luck to Mario Balotelli, I hope that he is able to demonstrate his talent at Liverpool because I see him as one of the strongest players on the field today.
“My role? When Conte came to visit us at Milanello I told him that I can easily play as a centre-forward or a second striker.
“Conte’s approach? He was clear with us, he made us understand that no one should feel excluded. Everyone respects his choices.
“The new season? I’m happy with how it started, but it’s only the beginning and I hope I can positively contribute to the team.
“My objectives? I want to score double figures in goals this season, but most of all I want to bring AC Milan back into the Champions League and win my spot in the national team.
“I hope that I can one day become the great striker that Italy needs.
“My hard times in the past? I can say that we had to change our way of playing when Balotelli arrived. Mario has different qualities from other strikers, but I would not attribute him to my downfall.
“My problems were based more around my mentality at the time, not the way we were playing. These things can happen at 20-years-old.
“When we arrived in the Champions League, however, I want to say that I was able to work well alongside him.”
