Milan, Italy – AC Milan has officially presented its two latest acquisitions, Christopher Nkunku and David Odogu, both expressing high hopes and clear intentions for their futures with the Rossoneri.
Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan in action during a training session at Milanello, Cairate, Italy, on September 4, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images)
Nkunku`s Initial Shyness and Preferred Role
Shy. That was the initial impression Christopher Nkunku made during his press conference. He started quietly, then gradually relaxed, gained confidence, and offered a smile. Two statements from his conference stood out. One was a classic: “The first time I heard about Milan, I was thrilled. I didn’t hesitate for a moment. Everything felt perfect; I had a shiver.” The other was a departure from typical footballer responses, who often claim they can play anywhere: “I enjoy playing as an attacking midfielder.” Nkunku, in essence, made a choice; while he was also signed to play as a striker, he clearly prefers having space ahead to accelerate in his favored midfield role.
Video: Nkunku`s Medical Examination at AC Milan
Ambitious Goals and Milanese Legends for Nkunku
How many goals will Nkunku score? Will he celebrate by inflating balloons, as he has in the past? “I don’t know if 15 balloons will be enough,” Christopher replied. “I need to feel comfortable with the team, then we’ll see.” Ambitious, he hopes for more, perhaps even a return to the French national team: “Deschamps makes his selections based on how you perform with your club, so it’s up to me. The World Cup is at the end of the season; I need to adapt quickly to my new club… I feel good; I’m ready to compete starting from the next match,” though perhaps not from the very beginning. So, here he is, Milan’s most expensive signing of the transfer window. A bit shy, a bit ambitious, and a bit `Brazilian` in his admiration. When speaking about Milan`s past, Nkunku mentioned three players, none of whom are French. “I loved watching Ronaldinho and Kaká at Milan. I spoke with Thiago Silva, and he told me wonderful things, that Milan is the best club in Italy.” Good advertising indeed.
Odogu`s Infectious Enthusiasm and Defensive Prowess
David Odogu, however, is a different character. His smile precedes everything else, infecting every answer. Whether it’s just the excitement of the moment – moving from Wolfsburg’s youth academy directly to Milan without a stop – or his usual demeanor, only time will tell. For now, he smiles when talking about Milan, imagining the season, and describing himself. “I am a central defender; I like to defend, head the ball, organize the defense, and win duels. I am very aggressive, physical, and always want to win. Off the field, I believe in God and play all sports, even table tennis.” It’s clear that life has swept him away, taking him to another world in 24 hours… and he clearly relishes the idea: “I knew nothing about Milan until 24 hours before the end of the transfer window when my agent called to say there was interest. I’m happy everything went well; it was very surprising even for me.”
Odogu`s Milan Heroes and the Influence of Allegri
Odogu received the same question about Milan`s past but made different choices than Nkunku, opting for a non-Brazilian selection. “Maldini is the first player who comes to mind; he’s my first memory of Milan. Then Gullit, Nesta, Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was born in Berlin just like me. I was born in Berlin in 2006, so perhaps Italy was my destiny.” The next step is to impress Allegri, who famously changed Boateng’s career path: “I know Allegri is a defensive specialist, and I am very motivated to learn from him. I can play in a back three or a back four, and I want to be a leader on the field.” During the U17 World Cup, David was studying for history and geography exams, but now he’s finished high school and put formal education on pause. His next subject to study: Serie A.
