AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli has revealed the €25 million price tag paid for his services had affected his performances, but he has now settled down and is growing in confidence.
The 20-year-old centre-back joined the Rossoneri from Roma during the summer transfer window, and was one of the Milan’s most expensive signings along with Carlos Bacca and Andrea Bertolacci.
“Moving to AC Milan for such a big fee is quite a burden to carry but now I’m feeling good and I’m able to work at my best every day,” Romagnoli told Milan Channel.
“You can immediately feel the importance and the historical value of the club which has won everything.
“The beginning was tough as lots of new players joined the team and they needed time to settle in. Anyway, we worked hard day by day and this is now paying dividends.”
Romagnoli preferred to join his mentor Sinisa Mihajlovic rather than staying at Roma, one of the top contenders for the Serie A title.
“At Roma I always started from the bench and I didn’t feel part of the project. Then, when Milan called me, I couldn’t say no,” he explained.
Romagnoli, who has already played 11 games with the Italy Under-21 team, still hopes to make the Azzurri’s EURO 2016 squad.
“I’m a Under-21 player now but of course playing for the senior national team is every player’s dream,” he said.
“I never had my debut with Italy, so it will be difficult to be called up for the tournament. But I still have a small hope.”
