“I need to prove myself” – Is AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze now proving his worth?

Italian side, AC Milan, has caught a glimpse of the emergence of Samuel Chukwueze in their ranks in recent league fixtures, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles attacker joined the Rossoneri from Villarreal CF in the 2023 Summer transfer window for a deal in the region of €30 million but has been a center of criticism following his subpar performance.

Meanwhile, with two impactful performances against Verona and Florence, Chukwueze has begun to justify his status as Milan’s marquee summer signing.

The Nigerian winger’s journey with Milan has not been without scrutiny, especially given his hefty price tag. However, recent displays on the pitch have silenced any doubts surrounding his ability to deliver on the big stage.

Chukwueze’s breakthrough moment came at the Bentegodi, where he netted his maiden Serie A goal in the iconic red and black jersey.

This milestone was followed by an impressive outing against Florence, where he showcased his attacking prowess and came close to finding the back of the net once again.

For this, his performances have not only caught the attention of fans and pundits but have also earned praise from Stefano Pioli and coaching staff.

“Finally Samu and the club are smiling. Now the numbers add up,” reflects La Gazzetta dello Sport, capturing the sentiment surrounding Chukwueze’s recent form.

The pressure to justify his price tag and live up to expectations loomed large over Chukwueze’s shoulders, with comparisons to other signings like De Ketelaere adding to the scrutiny.

There has been an earlier report of him leaving Milan during the January transfer window as a result of his subpar performance. But speaking to Soccernet.ng during the 2023 AFCON tournament revealed that he is going to prove himself at the club.

“I’m not leaving because I need to prove myself. They signed me for quite a good money. Me leaving AC Milan means that I’m just shying away from my responsibilities,” Chukwueze told Soccernet.ng.

“So, I just have to focus and work hard. It’s a big club, so I have to show myself and show my potential. If I didn’t want to play, I wouldn’t have signed for the club.”

However, with his recent exploits, the Nigerian international has begun to dispel any doubts, as he looks to make his mark in Milan’s storied history.

Looking ahead, Chukwueze’s role in Milan’s quest for success is set to grow, with multiple opportunities awaiting him in both domestic and cup competitions.