Milan: Alphadjo Cissé Responds Sharply to the Harsh Comparison

Alphadjo Cissé is making a name for himself and drawing attention and curiosity after scoring the goal that proved decisive in securing Milan’s first three points of the league season in their 2-1 victory over Torino. The young Rossoneri forward, still riding the high from Sunday night’s thrilling match, opened up to the fans who had gathered at the flagship store on Via Dante in Milan: Among the topics discussed were his decision to stay at Milan despite offers from abroad and the comparison—suggested by Massimo Ambrosini—to Robinho, which left him speechless.

Cissé, who arrived in January from Catanzaro and has shown such growth that the club decided to bet on him, doesn’t hold back. And he starts with a detail that made the fans smile: his jersey number. “Why did I choose 70? I would have preferred 80, but it was taken (by Yunus Musah, ed.).” So no reference to Robinho, who wore the same number at Milan: “Actually, I don’t know why people are making this comparison; I admit I haven’t seen him play much, but if Ambrosini says so, I’m honored.”

“I’ve received a lot of messages these past few days—it’s been a mix of emotions—but I’m already focused on the next game,” added the Treviso-born player, who is Italian in every sense of the word, even though his parents are originally from Guinea. “I could have gone to PSV—it was almost a done deal in January—but when Milan called, I changed my mind right away. In recent weeks, I could have gone out on loan, but I’m at one of the biggest clubs in the world: I believe this is my big chance.”

His relationship with Ruben Amorim is one of the reasons that convinced him to stay and believe in the project: “The coach gives me a lot of confidence and lets me show what I can do on the field. I really like his approach to the game.” Cissé, however, hasn’t forgotten those who helped him become the player he is today: “Catanzaro was crucial for me and my development. The national team? I’m not thinking about that; I take it one game at a time. But I’m available, of course.”

With Torino, Cissé has made the most of his opportunity, but a starting spot is far from guaranteed: “I’m not afraid of competition; I think it’s good for me. I can only learn from my teammates up front, but my ambition is to play as much as possible. I’ve had some physical issues and I’m not at my best yet, but I’m working hard to get back in top shape.”