Moreira: ‘I will remember Milan derby for rest of my life’

Diego Moreira admits his first Derby della Madonnina against Inter ‘will remain in my memory forever,’ but he will not ‘rest on my laurels’ for Milan or Belgium.

The winger was a huge investment over the summer from RC Strasbourg for a reported €50m plus significant add-ons, and is beginning to show why with four goals and three assists in 10 games between Serie A and the Europa League.

He was crucial in the Milan Derby victory over rivals Inter, scoring one goal and assisting two in the 3-1 result.

“We know how important a game like the derby is in Italy, and we set the tempo, we controlled the game,” Moreira told RTL Info while on international duty with Belgium.

“I was decisive in that match, but it is also due to my teammates. It is something that will remain in my memory forever.”

Milan have been strong in Serie A, although unable to maintain that intensity during midweek rounds, whether in the Europa League or domestically with their only defeat to Bologna.

“It has been a tough few weeks, because we had to play a series of games while many players were out injured. It was intense, but it was up to us to prepare in the best possible way.”

Much has been made of the fact that Ricky Kaka was in the crowd when Moreira impressed in the derby, having inherited the Brazilian’s iconic Number 22 jersey.

“It is an honour to play with his number, but I am building my career and trying to make a name for myself too.”

He is in the Belgium squad for the Nations League fixtures away to Turkiye on Thursday, then hosting Italy on Sunday evening, but is by no means guaranteed a starting spot.

“Of course I want to play even more, but we know that there are some extraordinary players on the bench. I have to continue proving my worth and giving the coach good reasons to use me.

“I feel confident, but that doesn’t mean I will rest on my laurels.”