Moreira lifts lid on Kaka-inspired number choice, first derby and friendship with Rabiot
Diego Moreira is gearing up for his first derby as an AC Milan player, and he is very much relishing the occasion.
Moreira was the second big splash in the summer window for Milan, after the club-record signing of Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian has already impressed with three goals to his name, including a brace that rescued a draw against Lazio in the capital.
Having sat out of the last two games against Udinese and Bologna, the good news is that Moreira has recovered from his muscle issue and will therefore be available to the head coach Ruben Amorim for tomorrow night’s derby.
He spoke to DAZN in the ‘Remember The Name’ programme in an interview that was broadcast on the eve of the game, with his words relayed by MilanVibes.
What is behind your name?
“My name is Diego because it was my mother’s favourite name. She adored Diego Maradona and really liked it. When people analyse it, they say that with this name I seem to be made to play football, so I really like it.
“My Instagram name? My godfather’s name is Armizy on social media, and I copied it. I spend a lot of time with him. When I was little, I used to play football everywhere and break everything.
“My dream was to become a professional footballer, and we’re almost there, come on (laughs). I left home at 15, a very difficult time for my mother, but now we’re happy because I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a footballer, and the sacrifices we made have led to this.
“My mom is very important to me, she’s unique, and everything we’ve been through now makes us happy. I talk to dad often, and when I finish games and they don’t go well, I only talk to him because I know we’ll talk about football and nothing else.
“He was the one who called me and told me about AC Milan’s interest, he was just waiting for me to say yes or no. When AC Milan calls you, you can’t say no. My tattoos speak of my family, even my grandparents.”
You have spoken before about Hazard, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo…
“Eden is a gem. A champion, an inspiration: when you grow up watching him, you try his moves and hope to be able to do them on the pitch one day. Cristiano is my idol, a champion, the greatest.
“As a kid, I wanted to be him, to have my hair cut like him, but I had too much. He made me believe in myself and pushed me to play football. I’m happy to have enjoyed his prime.
“Kaka? I wanted number 7. When they told me it was available, I was tempted to take it, but I like number 22. I hope to honour it and do well enough to deserve this number.”
The derby is coming up…
“Milan-Inter is one of the biggest derbies in Europe. We’re fired up, I’d die for my team and to play these games, we’re fired up.”
You have struck up a friendship with Rabiot…
“From the first few days, Adrien has been one of the ones who welcomed me best, especially because he speaks French.
“We talk a lot, especially because we’re always the last ones in the dressing room, so we often eat together and talk about life, football, everything. I also really enjoy being on the pitch, so that helps us get along.”
“The fact that I have a strong personality has helped me settle in. I feel great in this group and they understand me. We have to win games to bring Milan back to where it deserves to be: we have quality, spirit, a great group and we have to do it.”
