Milan’s Moreira: ‘An honour to wear Kaká’s No 22, I’d die for my team in the derby’

Diego Moreira says it is an honour to wear Kaká’s No 22 shirt, and he is ready to give everything in his first Derby della Madonnina tonight.

According to MilanNews, the Belgian winger spoke to DAZN for its “Remember the Name” series ahead of Milan’s clash with Inter at San Siro, which kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 GMT].

“I wanted the No 7 when I arrived. When I found out it was available I could have changed, but I’m happy with 22,” Moreira said. “It’s an honour, and now it’s up to me to show I can follow in his footsteps, because he left a legacy here.”

Moreira inspired by Kaká’s derby debut goal

The 22-year-old joined Milan from Strasbourg in August for a reported €50m plus add-ons, signing a five-year contract. He has missed the last two league games with hamstring fatigue, the 2-0 win at Udinese and Wednesday’s 4-2 home defeat to Bologna. Rúben Amorim has confirmed he is fit for the derby.

Moreira is also aware of what the fixture meant to his predecessor in the No 22. Kaká scored his first Milan goal in a 3-1 derby win over Inter in October 2003.

“I know he scored his first goal against Inter. It’s one of the biggest games in Europe, so we’re fired up,” he added. “If I get to play in this game, I’ll die for my team. I can’t wait.”

Milan go into the derby fifth on 18 points, seven behind Inter and Lazio at the top.