Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles star reveals Brazilian legend’s role in decision to join Milan

Samuel Chukwueze recently completed a move from Villarreal to Italian giants AC Milan on a five-year contract

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has revealed that Ricardo Kaka and Carlos Bacca played a part in his decision to leave Spain for Italy this summer, Soccernet.ng reports

Recall that the 24-year-old joined AC Milan  from Villarreal on Thursday on five-year contract. He has been with the Spanish club since 2017, coming through their youth team before becoming part of the first team.

He later progressed to be an integral part of the team, using his technicality and dribbing skills to help the Yellow Submarines on the pitch. Chukwueze played a key role in Villarreal’s successes in recent years including Europa League final victory over Manchester United in 2021.

The Nigerian international was ranked 5th with 76 successful dribbles in Europe’s top five leagues last season and was also voted the best African player in La Liga. His impressive outings in Spain caught the eye of Milan who have splashed £28m to lured him to San Siro.

However, in a chat with TribalFootball after his unveiling as a new Rossoneri player, Chukwueze revealed that he idolises Brazilian Legend and former Milan player Ricardo Kaka and is part of his reasons for joining the seven-time European champions.

When I was a kid, I only looked at Ricardo Kaka. The goal he scored in the Champions League against Manchester United….When his head hit the ball and the defenders collided it was incredible.

I think Kaka was my player from the Great Milan, he was fantastic. When I watched some of his YouTube videos, I saw crazy things he did in Rossoneri shirt. He was fabulous player, Chukwueze said                 

He continue: I played with Carlos Bacca (at Villarreal), I also came here because he was at Milan and played for Villareal. I heard from him and asked him about the club and he told me it was fantastic.

I really had so many questions because I really like Milan and I think they’re a great team with great history. So I asked him and he said it’s a fantastic club and I should come here

Chukwueze could make his debut for Milan in a pre-season game against Spanish champions Barcelona in the United States on Wednesday.