Marcos Cafu, an undeniable authority on full-backs and beyond, boasts an extraordinary career adorned with numerous club and international titles. He is well-acquainted with both his compatriot Wesley, a prospective right-back for AS Roma, and Ecuadorian Pervis Estupiñán, a target for AC Milan`s left flank. As a former player for both the Giallorossi and the Rossoneri, Cafu offers his unequivocal endorsement of their respective transfer market strategies.
On Milan`s Target: Pervis Estupiñán
Cafu, let`s start with Pervis Estupiñán, whom Milan is looking to sign as Theo Hernandez`s replacement. What are your initial impressions of him?
“I`ve seen him play many times during the World Cup qualifiers, and he`s incredibly strong. He`s a perfect fit for Milan.”
What impressed you most about him?
“His speed, his ability to push forward, and the fact that he`s not afraid to take individual initiatives when the team needs him to.”
Will Theo`s shadow not be a burden for him?
“If a player performs well on the pitch, they won`t feel the weight of their predecessor`s legacy. And if Estupiñán is the player I`ve seen with the national team…”
He performed well in England with Brighton. Is he ready for Serie A?
“Your league is more tactical than the English one, but I`m convinced that with his physical attributes, Estupiñán can do well anywhere. Finding stronger players in the left-back position is not easy.”
A recommendation for Milan`s right flank? Hakimi is the best, and Doué made a decent impression on me.
— Cafu, 2007 European and World Champion with Milan
Milan is also looking for a winger on the right, and inquired about your compatriot Vanderson from Monaco: too expensive…
“He`s coming off a fantastic season where he played extensively and performed well. In my opinion, he can still grow immensely; it`s no coincidence he`s a starter for Ancelotti`s national team. Vanderson is a top-tier player.”
Who would you recommend for Milan`s right flank?
“It`s tough. I believe Hakimi is currently the best in the world; Carvajal is returning after his injury. I`ve also seen Doué, whom I think the Rossoneri are monitoring; he made a decent impression on me.”
On Roma`s Signing: Wesley
Roma, on the other hand, has focused entirely on Wesley as their right-back, a player you`ve long championed.
“The Giallorossi couldn`t have made a better choice: Wesley is strong, young, and has become a starter for Flamengo, earning his call-up to the national team. The future belongs to him.”
He`s done well in Brazil, but now he`ll need to prove himself in Europe. Will he succeed?
“I have no doubts. He`s very strong in attack, has great personality, and enjoys playing football with the team. Furthermore, he has excellent physicality and isn`t easily stopped when he drives at you. Right now in Brazil, he`s the best signing you could make.”
As one Brazilian to another, what advice would you give him ahead of his arrival in Rome?
“To work hard and stay calm. He`ll need to understand how things work in Rome, but you`ll see he`ll establish himself.”
Will having a coach like Gasperini, who has developed many wide players throughout his career, help him?
“Gasperini is one of the best Italian coaches: he understands the importance of wide players and maximizes their characteristics.”
On Milan`s Season and Scudetto Ambitions
I have no doubts about Allegri: just give him time. I hope he can bring the Scudetto.
— Cafu, 2007 European and World Champion with Milan
Let`s return to Milan and Allegri, who left for the tour last night without either of the starting full-backs. Is that a handicap?
“Having a complete squad as soon as possible is an advantage, but the start of the championship is more than a month away, and Milan will be ready. I`m convinced the right reinforcements will arrive.”
Then it will be up to Max to make them perform.
“I have no doubts about his choice: he`s someone who works well, and you just need to give him time to implement his style of football. The results will come.”
Can Milan contend for the Scudetto?
“I hope so. Without European competitions, they can focus solely on the league and the Coppa Italia, which could be an advantage for a team that will change something compared to last season.”
Do Napoli and Inter, with the signings they`ve made and those they plan to make, risk widening the gap with the Rossoneri?
“Napoli and Inter are coming off strong seasons, and both have started strong in the transfer market. Inter, with Lookman, could make a Scudetto-winning move, but Conte, with additions like De Bruyne, Beukema, and Lucca, can also be competitive on all fronts. On paper, Milan is behind, but I still have confidence.”
With Vlahović in the squad, would they have even more confidence?
“The performance of strikers is often an unknown, but Vlahović has great potential and would be an excellent signing.”
