Udinese star ‘pleased’ by Milan links and confirms his idol is Ibrahimovic | OneFootball

Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca has admitted that he was pleased to hear of AC Milan’s interest in him, reaffirming that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is his idol.

Milan have been linked with a move for Lucca during the last couple of transfer windows, but it was in the winter mercato that things really seemed to take a step forward.

While in the end the Rossoneri signed Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord, Lucca was being readied as the alternative towards the end of the window.

The Italian has scored 12 goals this season, with 10 coming in the league and two in the Coppa Italia, in 30 appearances overall. He was bought last year for €8m after spending the prior season on loan from Pisa.

Lucca gave an interview to Corriere della Sera and spoke about a number of different topics, including the links with the Rossoneri. Calciomercato.com relayed his comments.

What was it like to learn of Milan’s interest?

“I don’t read the newspapers much so as not to get distracted. The appreciation of such a big club pleased me, but I tried not to lose focus on my path.”

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With your ten goals, the same as Lautaro and Lukaku, you contributed to Udinese’s unexpected tenth place standing. Is this the season of consecration for you?

“I’m happy with my performance and the help I give to the team. Compared to last season, we haven’t changed much in terms of the team, but rather in terms of mentality. But I don’t feel satisfied, I want to improve even more.”

Is there a person in particular who has helped you progress?

“My trainer, Sebastian. After all, I don’t limit myself to working on the pitch with Jordi Garcia, the club’s athletic trainer, but I also dedicate myself to extra training in the gym. Or together we analyse data and statistics. He also helps me refine my technique.”

Are you aware that you have characteristics that few strikers have?

“At the moment my top club is Udinese. Then with work and goals I know that the opportunities will come as a consequence. After all, who doesn’t aim for a big team?”

Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

Is there a striker whose poster you had on your wall?

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

Did you tell him that when you saw him in the game earlier this season?

“No, at that moment we talked about my past in Holland. I was the first Italian to play for Ajax but maybe I arrived at the wrong time.”