De Winter sheds light on Amorim’s faith, four-man defence and idea of Milan icon status

Koni De Winter has explained why he thinks Ruben Amorim has so much faith in him, revealing a bit about his team-mates too.

De Winter was signed in the 2025 summer transfer window as the replacement for Malick Thiaw, who left for Newcastle United in a big-money exit. After being in and out of the team under Massimiliano Allegri, this season he has so far been one of the key pillars.

The new head coach Amorim has made him the centrepiece of his three-man defence. Usually flanked by Mario Gila and Strahinja Pavlovic, the Belgian is the one who is often asked to lead the build-up phase, while he seems to be growing in confidence in a defensive sense too.

De Winter gave an interview to SportMediaset two days before the resumption of Milan’s Serie A campaign, discussing the season so far among other topics. His words are via MilanNews.

Since the start of the season, you’ve been a regular starter, six out of six. What did Amorim see in you?

“This is more of a question for the coach. I try to do my job and give my all to the team. I try to be physically and mentally ready for every match. It’s the coach’s decision to put me on the pitch. Like everyone else, I try to give my all and help the team.”

Was there a moment when he spoke to you to tell you something in particular? Was there a conversation in which he made you understand his respect?

“From our first conversation together, in Jakarta, he said I’m an important player for him. I feel his confidence in every training session and every game. It’s really great for me, as a player.”

What did Amorim bring you that’s new?

“He brought enthusiasm, a desire to be together, to work hard together. To laugh and joke, but also to train hard, run, and work hard for his team-mate. I think you can see from the outside that this is a group that wants to be together and fight for each other.”

Is he strict in training? Does he get angry?

“I think he’s a very human coach. You can talk to him, he talks to you, he’s very accessible.”

With Lecce, we saw a back four. How does that change for you defenders? Are you feeling better?

“It’s something the coach wanted to try. I think we were playing well even with three men, but it’s the coach who makes the decisions to win games. We won against Lecce, so I think he made the right choice.”

You never explained why you chose the number five shirt. Is there a reason?

“There’s no explanation (smiles). It was a free number and I chose it. I like playing with the ‘low’ numbers. I had 3, 4, and now 5. They told me it was Costacurta’s number, but I chose it without any particular reason.”

Would you like to be the new Costacurta?

“I didn’t watch him like you did, but I heard his name a lot.”

Would you like to become the new Vincent Kompany?

“Yes, I would. I’d like to become a major player like the names you mentioned. I think it’s the dream of every kid who starts playing football, to leave their mark on football history.”

Your dad was a huge Seedorf fan. Is it true he wanted to call you Clarence and not Koni?

“Yes, exactly. It’s all true. He told me that a couple of years ago. I didn’t know why, but it was great when I arrived at Milan. Seedorf left a huge legacy here. Sometimes strange things happen in life, but it’s really nice.”

On the pitch you’re very aggressive, but off it you’re very calm and collected…

“Very calm, it depends on who you ask (smiles). If you ask my family, they’ll tell you something different. It’s true that when I’m out with people I don’t know, I like to stay calm and out of sight.”

In the dressing room, who’s the most hot-headed?

“We have energetic players like Diego, and Chukwueze is always a laugh. We have some characters in the dressing room.”

You’ve been in Italy for many years, since you were 16. Do you feel Italian?

“I feel Italian, but obviously I’ll always feel Belgian and Congolese. But I really love Italian culture and the people in Italy: they’ve always welcomed me very well. The food is wonderful, and the climate too. I love the way Italians live and their pride.”

Would you like to become a Milan icon? Even in this kind of football, it’s difficult…

“Of course. For me, Milan is a club that needs to be at the top. Many would sign to stay at a club like that for many years.”

You’ve trained with many great players, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric. Who do you think is the best in each position?

“It’s difficult, they’re different roles. But… What can I say? They’ve both had wonderful careers. Cristiano is better at scoring goals, but Modric is better at playing football. That’s the real answer.”

If Milan won the Scudetto, would you be willing to cycle from Milanello to Casa Milan?

“Yes, of course. When I was young, I even went on two-day rides with my dad. In Belgium, it’s normal to go cycling, so yes. Why not? (laughs).”