AC Milan new boy Marco van Ginkel says fellow Dutchman Nigel De Jong was a big factor in his decision to join the San Siro club.
Van Ginkel signed for the Rossoneri on-loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and will be looking to kick-start his career again after spending most of last season in the treatment room after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a League Cup game for the Blues against Swindown Town in September 2013.
“I’m happy to be here at Milanello, it’s a nice place and everyone has been nice to me,” the midfielder told the Milan Channel.
“It’s true De Jong helped me in my decision to come to Milan. I have known him for a long time.
“I am a technical player. I like to play box-to-box but can also do defensive duties.
“I spoke with the coach [Filippo Inzaghi] and he told me what he expects from me. I do not speak Italian and it’s not so easy to communicate but I do understand what he wants me to do.
“I can’t wait to play at the San Siro, it’s a great stadium and Jose Mourinho told me that Milan is a huge club and I have a good chance to play for them”.
The 21-year-old won the Dutch Football Talent of the Year in 2013 during his time at Vitesse, a prize awarded for the best U-21 player in the Eredivisie division.
