Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli said coach Roberto De Zerbi has ‘changed my life’ and added he ‘wasn’t ready for the expectations’ at Milan.
The former Rossoneri midfielder moved to the Mapei Stadium on loan in August 2018, before making a permanent switch for €12.5m in July 2019.
The 22-year-old has excelled at the Neroverdi and has given coach De Zerbi the merit for his growth.
“The coach has changed my life,” Locatelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’m seen as a different player and another person, better.
“He has the merit of helping me mature and perform at my best on and off the pitch.”
The Italy international said it was hard to demonstrate what he can contribute immediately and said he will always be grateful to Milan.
“You always want to reach the top immediately, but it’s the dedication to work that helps you achieve great results.
“I want to take this opportunity to say that I will thank Milan for life, and I will always wish them well.
“Milan was my home and therefore we never speak badly of our homes. Despite everything that has been said, I will always thank Milan.
“Things didn’t go as they should, but I will always speak well of Milan.”
Locatelli admitted he ‘wasn’t ready’ as expectations ‘sky-rocketed’ after his spectacular goal against Juventus.
“The goal against Juventus was a double-edged sword. It gave me immense joy to score against that goalkeeper, a goal like that against a such a champion was incredible.
“Then it became difficult to manage because I was always asked to score spectacular goals, expectations sky-rocketed and therefore it was complicated.
“I wasn’t ready. But now I see things differently and I’m aware that the goal will remain in history, certainly in my heart."
bauadps
3
this kid must been smoking something because he's not in his head 🤪 he think if he was in Inter or Juventus or any big team they will have the same patience that we show 🤔 I mean we give him so many chances in so young age and that goal against Juventus he was talking about he did score it when he was just 18 years old and that show you how much faith Milan give him but as he said he wasn't ready and Milan was willing to loan him so he can keep improving but he insist to be no dry loan not even buy back clause so Milan didn't give him away he chose to walk away from us 🤫 also he now playing for Sassuolo small club without any pressure did he think that if he play for Roma or Napoli instead that he will be that confidence kid be grateful for the team that make you who you are now and stop making dig and acting like will kick you out 😡 beside Bennacer and Kassie and Tonali much better than you 😜.
Wuubinopuy
2
that show that you are not ungreatfull like some players