"Victor Osimhen Convinced Me To Join Milan"... Samuel Chukwuze On His Move To AC Milan.

AC Milan have announced the signing of Samuel Chukwueze from LaLiga club Villarreal.

Following initial several talks between Milan and Villarreal, the Nigerian striker had arrived yesterday for his medical tests and passed them with flying colours, signing the five-year contract today, that will keep him at the San Siro until 30 June 2028.

Born in Umuahia (Nigeria) on 22 May 1999, Samuel came through the Diamond Football Academy Youth Sector before moving to Villarreal in 2017. 

He scored four goals with Villarreal’s B side in 20 games before debuting for the senior team in September 2018, going on to feature 207 times for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 37 goals.

He was part of the Europa League winning squad in 2021 under former manager Unai Emery.

Chukwueze has been capped 28 times for the Nigeria Super Eagles and scored four goals, helping his nation finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

AC Milan reportedly paid €20 million plus up to another €8m in various add-ons and performance-related bonuses for or the player.

The Serie A giants, went into the summer needing an upgrade on the right flank and quickly became interested in the services of Chukwueze after a season in which he amassed 13 goals and 11 assists in 50 competitive appearances for Villarreal last season.

Chukwueze will wear jersey No. 21 at his new club, and becomes the Rossoneri's seventh signing of the summer.

🗣️ Samuel Chukwueze on...

The fans 🥰
Why he joined ❤️🖤
His love for food 🍝
And more 🎙️ #ACMQuest #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/1pMuLDECOI

— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 27, 2023

The 24-year-old spoke to Milan TV as part of his official unveiling and explained just what it means to be joining one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.

“When I learned that Milan wanted to sign me, I was nervous. Then I saw the fans sending me messages telling me to come here. They pushed me to come here, sending me messages and tagging me telling me to come here,” he said.

“I thought it was a joke, then i was sent a draft of the contract with Milan and I understood it was real. I didn’t thlink twice and said yes.”

“Victor Osimhen told me that Milan is a beautiful club and not to hesitate to sign with them and that their fans are wonderful, that they are crazy about football. I told him I hope you know I will beat you. He told me: ‘Let’s see how it goes’. He’s a good boy, he played an important role in making me come to Milan.”

“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, I’ve seen them play they are fantastic, I think they can improve me, they made a very good impression on me as well as the new signings, buying them was a good thing for the club.”

On his consistent improvement: “In six years you continue to learn, in Spain I learned a lot and I got used to European football. I can’t wait to start playing here because here I can grow again. I can’t wait to hear the chants of the fans.”

Before Milan’s announcement, Villarreal had confirmed the wingman’s departure.

“Villarreal CF have reached a transfer agreement with AC Milan for Samu Chukwueze, who has left the club after six years,” they said in a statement.

From U19s to the Champions League, there was always the same result: GOLAZOS.

Best of luck Samu, you deserve the very best in life 💛 pic.twitter.com/EuDBQBrjHZ

— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) July 27, 2023

While thanking him for his service, Villarreal said the Nigerian who was “one of the most popular players among the club’s fans, leaves behind goals that will go down in the club’s history, such as the one scored against FC Bayern at the Allianz Arena in the quarter-finals of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League or the brilliant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu last season.

“Villarreal CF would like to thank Samu Chukwueze for his dedication and professionalism during his time at the club and wishes him all the best in his new professional career.”

Chukwueze could make his Milan debut in a friendly against Monza on August 8, as he is not expected to link up with Stefano Pioli's squad for their final USA tour matches against Juventus and Barcelona.