De Winter: ‘I won’t bang on the table’ to demand AC Milan opportunity | OneFootball

Koni De Winter reveals why he will not ‘bang on the table’ to demand an opportunity at AC Milan, thinks he was a bargain from Genoa, and what stands Luka Modric apart in the football world.

The defender made the move from Genoa to San Siro over the summer at a cost of €20m plus up to a further €5m in performance-related bonuses.

So far this season, he has made only four appearances for his new club, but is well aware that there is strong competition under coach Max Allegri.

“I’m very critical of myself, and I have the ambition to become a regular player, but I know that I’ll have to make that situation happen,” De Winter told Nieuwsblad in Belgium.

“I don’t have the status to bang on the table and make demands. If I felt that I deserved a chance, I wouldn’t hesitate to talk to the coach, but right now I need to be humble. If I perform well in the minutes I do get, then I’ll be rewarded. At least that’s what I hope.”

Milan still waiting to see best of De Winter

GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Koni De Winter of Genoa celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 15, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

There were also a few other alternatives for De Winter over the summer before he chose Milan, as Inter, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur and more were all linked with his services.

“We’re talking about AC Milan here, one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Ronaldinho played here when I was a kid. I didn’t have pay per view channels growing up, but I saw Milan play in the Champions League with Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and David Beckham. That appeal remains.

“If AC Milan comes calling, you don’t hesitate. It’s true, other top Italian clubs did enquire after me, as did English sides, and clubs from the Middle East who were offering a lot of money.

“Look, I understand the guys who do go there, but it wasn’t an option for me right now. I wanted to take the next step in my sporting career and this transfer was perfect.”

De Winter assures that Milan should also be happy to have won the race to sign him at fairly affordable figures.

“If you look at how transfer fees have evolved in recent years, I think Milan negotiated a good price. I certainly don’t think Genoa squeezed everything out of them, but I also appreciate their attitude, as it made the talks go smoothly and it was all settled in a few days.”

DUBLIN, IRELAND – MARCH 23: Koni De Winter of Belgium runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at Aviva Stadium on March 23, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

In fact, an agreement was reached so quickly that the fans found out about it before he did.

“Fabrizio Romano knew about it before I did! I saw it on Instagram, Koni De Winter on the verge of joining Milan, and then my phone blew up. Shortly after that, my agents called, said we were nearing a deal.”

De Winter is only 23, but new teammate Luka Modric is still pulling the strings at 40 in Serie A.

Having also been teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, who would he say is the better player?

“It’s difficult to make comparisons, they are very different types, both exceptional. I’ve been seriously impressed by Modric. His brain, Luka just sees football differently, faster than anyone else. Combine that with those brilliant feet, well.

“Luka is also a star off the pitch, as he’s modest and doesn’t put himself above the team, even with his incredible record. He never complains. If he doesn’t, then why should anyone else?

“If Luka were sitting here, he’d be genuinely interested in your life. That attitude isn’t common in football.”