Ambitious new buy Odogu has Maldini and Rudiger inspiration with AC Milan at age 19

David Odogu at a press conference (acmilan.com)

David Odogu is certainly not lacking in confidence, taking inspiration from Paolo Maldini and Antonio Rudiger. ‘I know what I can do, otherwise I wouldn’t have joined a club like Milan.’

The defender was a deadline day signing for the Rossoneri from Wolfsburg, completing the transfer for circa €7m plus €3-4m in various add-ons.

It is his first move abroad, as the 19-year-old had spent his whole career with the Bundesliga club, coming up through their youth academy.

Odogu ready to shine at Milan

“The first few days have been excellent, I had a really warm welcome,” said Odogu in his presentation press conference this afternoon.

“I want to be humble, to learn, work hard and improve day after day. I am a central defender, I like to get into defensive duels, bring home clean sheets, and direct the defence. Obviously, I want to be aggressive, physical, and have the mentality of trying to win every game.”

He was very much a last-minute addition to the squad for Max Allegri, when Liverpool refused to release Joe Gomez, so how quickly did this move come about?

“I wasn’t told anything directly over the summer, so it was a surprise for me, I got the call from my agent 24 hours earlier. I am very happy, as well as surprised.”

Although he is effectively a replacement for Malick Thiaw, who was sold to Newcastle United at a big profit, the German looks to the past for inspiration.

“My first memory of Milan is Maldini. I also think of other legends like Franco Baresi, Alessandro Nesta, and Ruud Gullit. Another is Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was born in Berlin, just like me. I know that I’ve been compared to Antonio Rudiger, and I am very grateful for that comparison, as I want to play with his aggressive mentality.”

The Italian reporters at the press conference pointed out Odogu was born in Berlin in 2006, the city where Italy won the World Cup.

Obviously, he was too young to remember that, but he did win the Under-19 World Cup with Germany.

“It was a wonderful experience and gave me the confidence to compete with great players. Now I have to prove myself to be at the same level as the likes of Cubarsi and Estevao, who were also in that tournament.

“I know that I am very young, but my objective is to be a regular starter at Milan. I know my qualities and what I can do, otherwise I wouldn’t have joined a club like Milan. You know there is going to be pressure at such a big club, the expectations are high, but I use that as motivation. I’ll let my performances do the talking.”

Milan have already switched between three and four at the back this season, so Odogu is ready for whatever Allegri has in mind.

“I know he is a very good coach with defenders. It doesn’t matter if I play in three or four, I am sure that I’ll learn a lot from him and his staff.”