Luka Jović (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Luka Jović, now with AC Milan, reflects on his challenges in Real Madrid and hopes to rejuvenate his career under Paolo Maldini's guidance.
"This is a significant step forward for me, from Fiorentina to Milan, it's a higher level. I did decline in Real, things didn't go the best way, but I'm still in one of the biggest clubs on the planet. I hope I'll have some luck and return to my old level," says Serbian and Milan footballer, Luka Jović.
Will Serbian striker Luka Jović manage to regain his form after disappointing stints at Real Madrid and Fiorentina? It's uncertain, but his move to Milan was undoubtedly the best option for his career continuation.
"There were contacts three years ago, Paolo Maldini called me while I was in Real, but things didn't align then. Now I'm here, as the situation unfolded differently this time, and I wanted to come precisely to Milan. I waited and turned down all other offers," Jović began.
For him, Milan fulfills a childhood dream.
"As a child, I supported Milan. Both my father and friends were Milan fans, so this is a realization of a childhood dream. I hope I can help."
Jović experienced significant fluctuations in both club and performance.
"Last year I didn't score many goals, but I hadn't played for three years, and I expected a year with ups and downs. In the end, 13 or 14 goals, plus five or six assists: it's a good record for someone who hasn't played for three years. I'll strive to improve those numbers."
The football community and Jović himself hope that luck will favor him in Milan this time.
"This is a significant step forward for me, from Fiorentina to Milan, it's a higher level. I did decline in Real, things didn't go the best way, but I'm still in one of the biggest clubs on the planet. I hope I'll have some luck and return to my old level."
Coach Stefano Pioli also had a few words about Jović.
"He told me he believes in me, that I need to listen to him. He said he's sure we'll collaborate excellently. It's a pleasure working with him; I felt welcomed."
Frenchman Olivier Giroud is the first option in Milan before Jović.
"Giroud is a fantastic player. He's the top scorer in the history of the French national team, played for the biggest clubs, always with great success. I'm sure I can learn something from him every day. And I'll work hard to do so, to replace him in the best way."
He will need more time to be at peak physical readiness.
"It will take some time, though I don't know how much time I have. I'm not 100% physically ready, so I'll work hard to prepare for the matches. I'm following a special program, a bit more than the rest of the team," Jović concluded.