A new man, a different player; in a long interview with La Gazzetta Sportiva, Milan striker M’Baye Niang has explained how he intends to make the leap in quality this season. He began by explaining that; “The road accident I had served as a warning. I was out for three months when the team really needed me and it was disappointing. When I looked at the wreckage I thought to myself how lucky I’d been to only injure an ankle”. When he was asked about the jump from a hotel balcony into a swimming pool he replied; “It was just a game, I didn’t see anything wrong in what I did, I didn’t think about the consequences. Then I saw the video and I realized how stupid I’d been”.  

The 21-year-old then explained it was time to get serious, stating that; “I now feel that I’m maturing and all the previous experiences have helped me grow. The important thing is that I’ve understood my errors now I want to put all that behind me and start again”. When asked if he had thought that a move away from Milanello would have been better he replied; “Seriously, I’ve never considered leaving I’m happy here, why change that. I believe that I can be one of the key players this season and really important to the team. I’m ready to face up to the pressures and I want to return to European competition and have a great season and score many goals”.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler