Santiago Gimenez had his first press conference at AC Milan on Tuesday afternoon. Under the watchful eye of advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Mexican explained why he will be wearing the number 7 jersey. Despite the injury he sustained at Feyenoord, he is ready to make his debut.
Santiago Gimenez’s arrival at AC Milan marks a significant chapter in his career as he takes on a new challenge in one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues.
Officially completing his transfer from Feyenoord on Monday, the 23-year-old striker was welcomed with open arms by Milan supporters, who eagerly awaited the signing of a forward with his goal-scoring ability. His arrival generated considerable excitement in Italy, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how he would adapt to the demands of Serie A.
The anticipation surrounding Gimenez was evident from the moment he landed in Milan. On Sunday, just hours before he had even been officially unveiled as a Milan player, the Mexican striker was already present at the San Siro to witness one of the biggest fixtures in Italian football the Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter. Observing from the stands, Gimenez got a firsthand look at the intensity and passion of the Rossoneri faithful, an experience that only fueled his desire to don the famous red and black jersey.
After finalizing his move on Monday, the new Milan striker wasted no time getting to work. He joined his new teammates for his first training session under Stefano Pioli, eager to integrate into the squad as quickly as possible. The Milan coach is expected to use Gimenez as a key attacking option, and his ability to adapt swiftly could play a crucial role in Milan’s push for success in both domestic and European competitions.
On Tuesday, Gimenez faced the media in his first official press conference as an AC Milan player, sitting alongside none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who now serves as an advisor at the club. The presence of the Swedish legend, a figure known for his dominant personality and leadership, added even more weight to the occasion. Ibrahimovic, a former Milan striker himself, was full of praise for the new signing.
"He has a great hunger for goals; he reminds me of Camarda," said Ibrahimovic, referring to 16-year-old Milan wonderkid Francesco Camarda, who is regarded as one of the club’s most exciting youth prospects. "You either have it, or you don’t. Gimenez can score in many different ways, he sacrifices himself for the team, and he can provide assists. We will support him in every way possible to help him succeed."
For Gimenez, the transfer to Milan had been a long time in the making. The Mexican forward revealed that he had been dreaming of playing for the Rossoneri since last summer, when Milan initially made an approach. "Ever since the offer last summer, Milan has always been my dream club. I knew the door would always remain open," he said, acknowledging that his move had finally materialized after months of speculation.
Another topic that captured attention was his choice of jersey number. Gimenez opted to wear the number 7 shirt, a number deeply associated with Milan’s history. "It has multiple meanings for me. It was Shevchenko’s number, and it is also the number of completeness in the Bible," he explained. Andriy Shevchenko, one of the greatest strikers in Milan’s history, wore the number 7 during his legendary spell at the club, making it an iconic number for Rossoneri supporters. By choosing this number, Gimenez is embracing the pressure and expectations that come with playing for a club that has boasted some of the best forwards in football history.
Despite arriving with an injury concern, Gimenez reassured Milan fans that he is ready to make an immediate impact. He sustained a minor injury during Feyenoord’s match against Lille, which briefly raised doubts about his fitness, but the striker was quick to dismiss any concerns. "I feel completely ready to play," he confirmed. His first opportunity to step onto the pitch for Milan could come sooner than expected, as the Rossoneri face AS Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday at 9:00 PM.
The upcoming match against Roma will be a major test for Milan, and Gimenez could play a crucial role if given minutes. While it remains to be seen whether he will start or come off the bench, his presence in the squad alone has already boosted excitement among Milan fans. The Coppa Italia represents a realistic chance for Milan to claim silverware this season, and the addition of a prolific striker like Gimenez could significantly enhance their attacking options.
Beyond the immediate focus on his debut, expectations for Gimenez are high. Milan’s attacking lineup has had its inconsistencies this season, and the hope is that the Mexican forward will bring a new dimension to the team’s play. His ability to find the back of the net with both feet, his aerial presence, and his movement off the ball make him a versatile striker, well-suited to Pioli’s system. If he can replicate the form he showed at Feyenoord, where he emerged as one of the most promising forwards in European football, he could become a key player for Milan in their pursuit of a strong Serie A finish and success in European competitions.
For Gimenez, the move to Milan is more than just a career step it is an opportunity to establish himself at the highest level. Playing for a club with Milan’s history comes with immense responsibility, but his confidence and determination suggest that he is ready for the challenge. As he prepares to make his debut in the iconic red and black, all eyes will be on him to see if he can live up to the expectations and make an immediate impact for his new club.
