Gimenez ‘ready’ for Milan debut after ‘dream’ transfer | OneFootball

New Milan striker Santiago Gimenez is ready to make his debut for the Rossoneri after completing a ‘dream’ transfer to San Siro.

Gimenez was one of the biggest signings in the winter transfer window in Serie A, joining Milan from Feyenoord for €32m.

The Mexico international was unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday, joined by Red Bird Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“One of my main dreams since childhood was to play in Europe, and I’ve fulfilled that,” said Gimenez via MilanNews.

“Now that I’m in Europe, I want to play for a great club and leave my mark.”

Milan host Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday and Gimenez is ready to play.

“I actually had a small injury in the last game, but now I am fully ready,” he said.

Milan already tried to sign Gimenez last summer but failed to reach an agreement with Feyenoord.

Gimenez ‘ready’ for Milan debut after ‘dream’ transfer

Santiago Gimenez travelling to Milan to complete transfer from Feyenoord. Credit: Fabrizio Romano

“Even though they were following me since last season, I tried to focus on my game,” said the Mexican striker.

“My family and the group behind me made this possible. I am a man of faith, and I left everything in God’s hands.

“I can promise that I will do everything possible. I don’t believe in individualism but in teamwork,” he continued.

“This is a competitive team that can win a lot. I don’t promise a certain number of goals, but I will give my best.”

Gimenez was asked about his role models and whether he could become one of the best Mexican players ever, overtaking Hugo Sanchez.

“One player I follow as a footballer is Zlatan. I feel this responsibility, and it’s wonderful for me,” he said.

“As for Sanchez, I’m not here to compare myself to other players; I’m here to leave my mark. With humility, faith, and hard work, I will make my own way. I am Santiago Gimenez.

“Every player has the responsibility of carrying the national flag onto the pitch. It’s a great honour for me, and I want to leave my mark. We are a very united country in Mexico, and today at Milan, I’ll have all of Mexico by my side.”

Was it hard to convince Feyenoord to sell him in the winter transfer window?

“Zlatan and my representatives should answer this,” Gimenez replied.

“They were the ones who pushed for it. I just had to focus on playing and leave everything in God’s hands. As players, we don’t get involved in negotiations or arguments, we just think about playing.

“Milan have always been a dream and a goal since their offer last summer. I focused only on working and playing, knowing the doors were always open.”

Gimenez has picked the No.7 at his new club.

“The number 7 has many meanings—first, it was available and belonged to Shevchenko. It’s the perfect number in the Bible, so choosing it was simple.”

Gimenez will soon meet his former club Feyenoord, who have been paired with Milan in the Champions League knockout playoff.

“It will be a beautiful moment. It’s football and these things happen,” said Gimenez.

“It will be special. They were my family, and they will continue to be as such.”