MILAN (AP) — AC Milan’s new signing Charles de Queterlare is honoured to be compared to former Rossoneri hero Kaka and hopes he can achieve as much at the club as the Brazilian superstar .
The 21-year-old De Caterer made his official debut on Friday shortly after completing a move from club Brugge for around 32 million euros ($32.5 million).
The talented playmaker has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A champions.
Kaka played for Milan from 2003-09 and again in 2013-14, helping them to the Champions League trophy in 2007, when he was also the competition’s top scorer.
He also won the World Cup as well as the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the Year.
“I’ve seen a lot of videos about Kaka and he’s a great player,” said Decatur. “I have my own characteristics, but I hope to make a similar contribution to what he does.
“Milan has a long history and tradition, many legends have played here, but I think it’s right to focus on the future, as the club is doing.”
Milan’s focus on the future can be seen in the large number of young players in its squad.
It was Milan’s combination of youth and experience that helped end an 11-year wait for the title, which Dequet Lare said played a big role in his decision to join.
“It’s important for me to see young players grow and perform well here,” said the Belgium international. “You’ve seen the young players here get better lately, they make the team better, so it’s nice to see that, and it definitely makes a huge difference in the selection.
“The team has been strengthened by providing space and opportunities for promising young players, and I hope to have opportunities here as well.”
Milan have not won the Champions League since the Kaka era and only returned to action last year after a long absence. But its return was short-lived, as the Rossoneri were eliminated in the group stage, winning just one game.
“To perform well in the Champions League is one of the goals of this team,” said Decatur. “It won’t be easy, but we will do our best to get through the group stage and stay competitive in the knockout stages.”
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