2015 Claudio Villa - Inter
Bacca: Balotelli 'giving a lot back to the team'
A two-time Europa League winner, the Colombian international has settled quickly in Italy.
“Everything’s gone well so far, I’m so happy to have joined a big club," Bacca told As Colombia.
"This move is a big step forwards in my career, and I’m slowly getting used to the Italian league and getting to know our opponents”.
The 29-year-old doesn’t plan on slacking, either, and with Bacca bagging a stunning 34 La Liga goals over two seasons in the top flight with Sevilla, early indications are that the Rossoneri are set to cash in on their investment.
“My idea is to train well and reach the best level I can in order to help the team. The most important thing for me is to help the team win and achieve its targets, more than achieving my own personal goals or scoring goals."
With former Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli making a much-publicised return to boyhood club AC Milan, speculation was rife that his character issues could create dischord in the Rossoneri locker room. According to Bacca, the Azzurri hitman has been anything but professional.
“[Balotelli] has his personality and his character, but the only thing he’s done since joining is work and spend time with us. He’s giving a lot back to the team, let’s hope he keeps it up”.
Bacca was gracious when called to make a comparison with his manager at the Sanchez Pizjuan, Unai Emery,
“Every coach is different and Spanish football is different to Italian football. But Mihajlovic is a demanding coach and wants us to give our all in each training session, let alone every game”.
Despite his prowess in front of goal, the former Bruges hitman showed anything but a selfish streak in explaining away his benching ahead of last week's 1-0 defeat on the road to Genoa.
“Those decisions are for the coach to make, we were playing every three days and there’s competition. Milan has strikers of very high calibre and you have to be 100% to start. Competition is good, especially at a club like Milan. I’d like to play every game but Mihajlojvic is in charge, and I respect his decisions”.
