Nkunku on AC Milan project, playing style, and seeking Maignan advice | OneFootball

Christopher Nkunku explains what he can bring to AC Milan with his attacking style and reveals he asked Mike Maignan for advice before leaving Chelsea. ‘I was instantly convinced by the project.’

The forward completed his transfer to San Siro for €37m plus up to €5m in various difficult to achieve add-ons.

A product of the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, he had only joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from RB Leipzig, in a move worth at the time €60m.

“I was delighted to pull on the Milan shirt,” Nkunku told the official club channel.

“I’m very excited about coming here. I was instantly convinced by the project. I’m very happy to be here.”

What Nkunku brings to Milan attack

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 13: Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea FC disembarks a flight as they arrive to Philadelphia International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 13, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

He had not been one of the players on the radar for the Rossoneri in recent weeks, as they had been pursuing a more classic centre-forward who can hold up the ball, but decided to take a different approach.

“I think my game is quite technical. I really like playing with others, link-up play. I play in an attacking position, so I try to provide assists and goals for my team.

“I have a team-oriented mindset, I like fighting for the team, making an effort for the team, so that we all shine together.”

The new striker can play centrally, but also on the wing, where he can occasionally fill in for Rafael Leao or Christian Pulisic.

“I like playing close to the striker, or upfront,” continued Nkunku.

“Offensively, I like to play with freedom, operating in space, linking up with my fellow attackers, that’s where I feel best.”

The 27-year-old was teammates with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Paris Saint-Germain, so meets the Swede again now as a director at Milan.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 24: Christopher Nkunku #18 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

“I feel a lot of pride being here. I gained international experience during my time in England and Germany. I’m ready to discover a new country, a new league, and very excited to start the season.”

Nkunku chose the Number 18 jersey at Milan and it has special meaning for him.

“It’s a number I’ve always liked, I’ve worn it before. It became even more special because of personal events, that strengthened my bond with this number.”

There is a large French contingent in the Rossoneri camp now, including Mike Maignan and Youssouf Fofana, so Nkunku reached out for advice before coming to Milan.

“I have a great relationship with Mike Maignan, so we talked about a lot of things. He had only good things to say about the club.

“We have similar personalities, so I was immediately won over by what he told me.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Mike Maignan of AC Milan speaks with his defenders during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Another new arrival this summer is Luka Modric, who made the move to Serie A after more than a decade at Real Madrid.

“We know the club’s ambitions, it’s about winning, so that’s what makes great players want to come here. I’ve already played against Luka, not against Rafa Leao, but I’m very happy to play alongside them now. I hope we’ll get along well on the pitch.”

Strikers often state their targets when joining a new club, but Nkunku feels this represents “putting limits on myself. I just try to be better than I was the day before, that’s my mindset. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”

Coming to Milan means playing in the cauldron of San Siro, which hosts around 70,000 fans in the stands, but Nkunku is no stranger to the atmosphere.

“Of course, I already imagined it. I actually already played here for France against Italy, I immediately saw it’s a very beautiful stadium. Very big, truly legendary, and I am very happy to call this stadium home.”