Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze has opened up on his determination to make the most of his fresh opportunity at AC Milan after returning to the club from his loan spell, Footynaija.com reports.
Chukwueze spent the second half of last season away from Milan on loan at Fulham as he looked to rediscover his best form, but the Nigerian has been handed another chance to impress under the club’s new coaching setup.
The 27-year-old has already caught the eye during pre-season, including a standout display in Milan’s 4-2 comeback victory over Manchester United, where he scored once and provided two assists.
Chukwueze currently finds himself occupying the right wing-back position in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, something he admits is unfamiliar territory after spending the majority of his career playing as an out-and-out winger.
However, the Nigerian believes the trust shown in him by the Portuguese boss gives him every reason to embrace the challenge.
“Yes, he’s a good coach. He trusts me, so he gave me an opportunity. Now it’s up to me to seize it,” Chukwueze told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He simply gave me faith, and I think I have to take advantage of it. I can’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, returning to Milan after my loan.
“Although it’s a position I have to adapt to because I’ve never played in this position in my career.
“As a footballer, if a coach wants you to play in this position, you have to do it by believing in yourself and in the coach, because he knows what he wants.
“So I just have to keep working hard, believing in myself and that I can do it. For me, it’s an opportunity I have to seize. I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, that I can do anything.”
Chukwueze also admitted that there is still plenty for him to learn as he adjusts to the demands of his new role.
“Yes, a lot. For me, I think it’s something I need to work on. It’s my first time playing in this position, so I’m continuing to work hard,” he said.
“I need to improve every practice. I think the coaching staff is helping me.
“The coach is helping me too. Every time I make a mistake, he tells me, ‘Oh, Chukwueze, this is what you have to do.’ So I think I’ll improve before the season starts.”
With Milan’s competitive campaign approaching, Chukwueze now has the opportunity to turn his encouraging pre-season performances into a sustained run in the team.
The Nigerian appears determined to repay the faith shown in him, with his ability to adapt to the new role potentially playing a major part in determining how prominent he becomes under Amorim this season.
