17-year-old Camarda: ‘Lecce treat me like a professional player’ after AC Milan cameos

Francesco Camarda admits he chose the Lecce loan because they ‘treat me like a professional football player’ and don’t look at his age, after limited opportunities at Milan.

The striker made history as the youngest ever player to make his debut in Serie A, aged just 15 years, eight months and 15 days back in November 2023.

After making 12 Serie A appearances and four in the Champions League, it was decided he would go out on loan to get more regular playing time and aid his development.

Chance for teenager Camarda to shine

“I am a Number 9, so being in the box is my wheelhouse, but I am working to improve outside the penalty area too,” said Camarda in his presentation press conference for new club Lecce.

“I want to make the most of the opportunities that I am given. The club put a lot of faith in me and I want to repay that. My future depends on the present, so I am concentrated on improving myself, working for the team and achieving our objective.”

Camarda is still only 17 years of age, so it is unusual in Italian football to see one so young given any chances to play in Serie A.

“At Lecce, they treat me like a professional football player, which is what I am. Maybe some of the others my age don’t get to show their quality because they don’t get that opportunity. Personally, I am at Lecce to get that chance, as they know how to work with youth here and their squad is on average the youngest in Serie A.”

He will be helped in this transition by the fact his parents are following him to live in Lecce for this year.

By a curious twist of fate, his first Serie A home fixture for Lecce could well be against his former Milan teammates.

“I will give 100 per cent to win, especially as it is the first match in front of our home fans. Milan is a second home for me, but right now I have to think about the present and Lecce.”

Camarda had thought he’d scored his debut Champions League goal, only to see it disallowed by VAR.

“That night was unforgettable. I am sad the goal was disallowed, but it gave me the push to always want more.”