[Bluesummers]

<span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>THIS IS MY JERSEY</span>

Daniele Bonera spent his youth dreaming of someday sporting Milan’s jersey and now that he has it on he doesn’t every want to take it off


Daniele Bonera spoke about his passion for Milan from the afternoon press conference at Milanello.

Champions league draw: ‘After yesterday night, we have every reason to believe that we can reach the Champions League final. There were some surprise, like Barcelona’s elimination, but nevertheless there are great squads remaining. I believe that this group has the strength to be able to win. Honestly, Roma are great team and I would avoid them, Liverpool and Manchester UTD are also teams to be feared.’

The derby: ‘We will prepare for this really important game starting today. It has been a really intense week with Chievo and then the 120 minutes yesterday. We must recover the right mental energy and in this respect we have one day less than Inter, but four days should be enough. Inter will certainly be very angry because they didn’t play poorly in Valencia, they just lacked the goal. It is an exciting game and we want to demonstrate that there is nothing to the thirty points between them and us. Anything can happen, but I am only hoping for a great show.’

Bonera and Milan: ‘This has always been my team in heart and, now that I wear this jersey, I want to do all that I can to be able to remain here as long as possible. I had to adjust to the new environment and other things, after my move here from Parma. Everyone really supported me during that time and they didn’t pressure me but instead allowed me to work at my own pace. I have always believed in my potential and all of this has helped me grow. I am going through a period of good form and I want to continue on this path.’

His position: ‘I was born to play central defender. I also played full-back with Parma, but believe me when I say that there is a difference in playing that position with an average team like Parma and a great team like Milan. Ancelotti’s approach takes a certain kind of push on the flanks and in this sense I don’t think I can give what my team-mates in that position can.’

Bonera and national duty: ‘Not to be presumptuous, but I think I will be called up. I started playing for the Azzurri Italian national side when I was very young. I think that being able to be part of this group here with Milan will help me to develop to my full potential. In this sense, my model remains Paolo Maldini. He is great to learn from. He played an extraordinary game against Celtic even though he was still experiencing some physical problems. Maldini is fundamental for us.’

This post has been edited by m1ke: Aug 1 2008, 08:30 PM