btw only Gourcuff, Oliveira, Shevchenko, Van Basten, Gullit, Weah and Bierhoff, managed to score on their debut with Milan, Oliveira is still unproven but we all know how all the others turned out

Another article about him

tooo much praises for him. Hope he won't put our expectiations down.

And by the way. Mike. When are you going to update the official sqaud on milanfan.com?

Incredible debut from the french youngster.

Great finish with the header.

Some great control on the chest before putting gattuso through and also that cross to pippo.

Hopefully he can perform under italian conditions, hope he starts against parma.

The next 'zidane' might not be too far from the truth.

Looks like another incredible cheap signing by the milan management, just like kaka' .

Gourcuff hailed as new star
'Petit Zidane' makes big impact in AC Milan win

AC Milan's new French signing Yoann Gourcuff has been hailed as the most exciting new prospect Italy has seen in years .

The 20-year-old, signed from Stade Rennes this summer, made the pulses of jaded journalists quicken with an outstanding debut in Milan's 3-0 win over AEK Athens in the Champions League Wednesday night .

"Zidane or Platini? Make any comparison you want. It's too early to say, but one thing is sure, he's conquered San Siro," said a headline in La Gazzetta dello Sport .

Yoann, The Style and Simplicity Of A World-Class Player was the headline on a feature article which likened Gourcuff's impact to that of Brazil superstar Kaka' at the same age three years ago and enthused: "The personality of the predestined combined with the athletic exuberance of a 20-year-old. A string of wonderful touches united by the same style that often marks out the world-class player: trying the simple things, or rather, making the things you try look simple" .

Gourcuff's performance, in which he scored a goal and made some superb linkage play with Kaka', was "the most dazzling part" of Milan's display, La Gazzetta said .

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Thursday: "I have to admit I didn't know him very well but I must say he was a great buy. He showed great personality and character". "Yoann has fine skills and is sure to show what he's worth," Ancelotti added of the 'petit Zidane' who joined Milan for an undisclosed sum in June .

Kaka, whose penalty clinched the win after Pippo Inzaghi's early goal and who provided the cross for Gourcuff to head in, expects great things from his new team-mate .

"If he can keep on the way he is developing, then he will be very strong indeed," Kaka said .

"We have got to be careful, though, not to put him under too much pressure" .

Gourcuff said Thursday he had found "an excellent understanding" with the Brazil international .

Piersilvio Berlusconi, son of Milan President Silvio, underlined Gourcuff's humility: "He was so shy in the dressing room, like a kid. It was like he didn't dare look Ancelotti in the eye" .

Gourcuff and Kaka' could be the soul of Milan's midfield for the next few years. Earlier this year, Kaka' extended his contract with Milan until 2011. According to sources close to Rennes, that is also the length of Gourcuff's contract .

Wednesday's win put Milan clear in Group H as the other sides, Anderlecht and Lille, drew 1-1 .

The other two Italian teams in the Champions League, Roma and Inter Milan, won 2-0 and lost 1-0 Tuesday .

ANSA

Yipeee....so is this our answer to Lionel Messi? dst aka Carlo?

I’m like Zizou, says Gourcuff
Friday 15 September, 2006

Milan’s Yoann Gourcuff says he’s flattered to have been compared with Kaka, but insists he feels technically more similar to Zinedine Zidane.

The French youngster, nicknamed ‘Petit Zidane’, is the talk of the town after his Champions League heroics against AEK Athens and he’s happy to have been given the opportunity to reveal himself.

“I have to thank Coach Carlo Ancelotti for giving me a spot in the starting line-up on Wednesday, it was a risk for him in such an important match and I am glad I repaid his trust with a goal,” said the 20-year-old.

“It’s an honour for me to hear that I am being compared to Kaka and Zidane, but I admit I feel that I play more like the latter as Kaka is much faster than me,” continued the former Rennes man.

“I think Zidane is a great example as an athlete and as a person, with the exception of the World Cup Final episode. I just met him a few times, but was too shy to speak to him.”

The midfielder, who still had a year left on his previous contract with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, landed in Milan in the summer after signing a contract until June 30, 2011.

“I chose Milan for its history and what they represent in Europe and I am very glad about my move,” he underlined.

“I am getting along well with my teammates, all of them, but I know that I need to keep my feet on the ground.

“There are so many high-quality players and it won’t be easy to find place on the team,” continued Gourcuff.

“I will keep on working hard in order to always be prepared if Ancelotti decides that it’s time for me to play.”


Football Italia

THANKS A LOT, YOANN
9/15/2006 5:06:00 PM

Yoann Gourcuff demonstrated maturity beyond his 20 years as he answered questions at the afternoon press conference.

Having just turned 20, Yoann Gourcuff approached his first press conference after an impressive performance in the Champions League, like a seasoned professional. The French midfielder was certainly keeping his feet on the ground and here is what he had to say.

I certainly like wearing my number 20 shirt but it's never a quesiton of numbers. It's important to show what you can do on the pitch and I want to thank coach Ancelotti for giving me my debut in the Champions League, in such an important game, it was a risk for him. I am a roaming midifelder and that suits me. Maybe I prefer the centre a bit more.

Was I amazing? I knew it was an important game so I looked to make my mark early on. I scored thanks to a wonderful cross from Kakà. I tried to return the compliment. I enjoy playing along two great players like Seedorf and Kakà.

I was brought up in Brittany, I miss my family a bit, my friends, the sea. Fortunately, I have found Milan fine. I like music, all types not just Celtic music. As for the comparisons with Platini and Zidane, I know Zidane better and apart from the gesture in the World Cup final, he is an example as a player and a man.

The reason I picked Milan was the history, its image throughout Europe. I have a good relationship with Braida, Gallani as well, I knew about Milan which is really some place to visit. I get on well with my team-mates but I keep my feet on the ground here because there are so many great players and I know it will be difficult to get a game. The important thing is to be ready when Ancelotti needs me.

I have to keep training and improve my performances. I pleased when I am spoken about, it encourages me. I thought I would be forgotten about in France but the opposite has happened so that pleases me.

At the end of the press conference, Gourcuff spoke in Italian and said: 'Thanks a lot everyone, I am pleased to be here. I like Milanello and the San Siro.'

Yoann then spoke to Milan Channel.

It was great to run out under the Curva Sud where the Milan were and feel their enthusiasm. I ran to hug Kakà after the goal for providing the cross. I have improved in two months at Milan. It's been a long preparation but now I feel fit.

I have scored in the last three games: two for France Under-21s and the one for Milan in the Champions League. I hope to continue like this, I am definitely not Inzaghi, I can't be as I play in midfield but things have gone well in recent games.


acmilan.com

Gourcuff's star turn


"I could not have dreamt of a better start," beamed an ecstatic Yoann Gourcuff shortly after leaving the San Siro pitch to a standing ovation last week. The 20-year-old Frenchman was a surprise inclusion in AC Milan's opening UEFA Champions League group match against AEK Athens FC, and he seized his opportunity with an exceptional performance. "I only found out I was starting in the morning," he said. "I tried to stay calm and concentrate but it wasn't easy in that atmosphere. When I scored my goal I was full of emotion."

Berlusconi praise
Gourcuff's goal, a firm header from Kaká's right-wing cross, was Milan's second in a 3-0 win, but it was his elegant midfield play more than his scoring exploits that captured the public's imagination. Comparisons with a certain Zinédine Zidane began to flow and according to reports, Gourcuff even received a congratulatory message from Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi at Giannino's restaurant later that night.

'Hunger to succeed'
Quite a baptism for the French Under-21 international who arrived from Stade Rennais FC for €4m in the summer. "Everything has gone really well so far," Gourcuff told uefa.com. "A lot of people questioned my decision to leave France so young but I gave the move a lot of thought and I'm convinced I made the right choice. Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I feel this is the best place for me to progress."

Daunting
Tall and composed in possession, he has an innate ability to read the game and execute telling passes. The part he played in Rennes' 4-1 win away to Olympique Lyonnais last February, scoring once and slicing the champions' defence open almost at will, highlighted his extraordinary talent. Demonstrative on the field, Gourcuff is extremely shy off it and admits the early days at Milan were daunting.

'Different world'
"It's a different world to the one I was used to at Rennes," he said. "In training I'm surrounded by world stars." The warm welcome he received helped him to settle and Gourcuff is also benefiting from coach Carlo Ancelotti's influence. He described the former Italy midfielder as "a coach who is very close to his players. He talks to us a lot and has spoken to me individually on several occasions. I know I can learn a lot from him."

Long-term plans
The Frenchman knows he must sustain his form to remain part of Ancelotti's plans, however. "I want to be at Milan for many years and that means I have to fight for my place constantly and show a lot of patience," he said. "My aim is to play a little bit in my first season, play a bit more regularly in my second season, then be a first choice in my third season. With Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, there are plenty of games so hopefully I'll get my chances."

France return
Gourcuff is particularly keen to be involved in Milan's next UEFA Champions League outing, a Group H trip to LOSC Lille Métropole on Tuesday. "I was delighted when I saw we were grouped with Lille," he smiled. "It's nice to be returning to France so soon. I was worried that people in France might forget about me, but now the French media can talk about me a little bit." If he continues to play like he did against AEK, there is absolutely no chance of him being forgotten.

UEFA.com

Great article!

i like his attitude, and i hope his plan will succeed.

I agree

I was just going to post that Marco!

"Gourcuff - Milan's new ZZ"

What's ZZ?

I don't know, but I think that might refer to that bald dude who played for France and was specialized in headbutting... Could be wrong...

.. ZZ=Zizo

Milan's new ZZ ?? ... last time I checked ZZ had never played for us ...

Gourcuff has a cracked rib... I have a cracked heart...

That's how much I love this guy...

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on UEFA.com
Gourcuff out to make amends

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

by Matthew Spiro
from Paris

France's Yoann Gourcuff claims the disappointment of losing to the Netherlands in the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals has made him all the more determined to set the record straight next summer.

'Hard to accept'
Outstanding in the group stage in Portugal this summer, René Girard's side were many people's tip to go all the way before they lost 3-2 to the eventual winners in a thriller. With the next edition of the tournament taking place in the Netherlands in June, Gourcuff admits he is already thinking about revenge. "Playing so well and then losing in the semis was hard to accept," the AC Milan midfielder, 20, told uefa.com. "That defeat has definitely given us extra motivation. We're all determined to qualify for the Netherlands next summer and hopefully do even better this time."

'A positive start'
Les Espoirs have started their latest qualification campaign in impressive fashion, winning 3-1 away to Scotland and beating Slovenia 2-0 in France to set up a play-off against Israel. "We've made a positive start but the road is still long," warned the in-form Gourcuff, who was on target in both games. "Don't forget, the group has changed a lot since the summer. Players like Rio Antonio Mavuba, Jérémy Toulalan and Julien Faubert have been called up to the senior squad. New players have had to come in and we're a younger side now."

Benzema call-up
One of the additions is Olympique Lyonnais prodigy Karim Benzema, aged just 18. The burly striker has already enjoyed success at junior international level, notably helping the France win the 2004 UEFA European U17 Championship, and is delighted to be part of Girard's plans. "Moving up to the Under-21s shows that my progress is being recognised at international level," he told uefa.com. "Representing France is very important to me and I'll do everything I can to stay with the squad and help them qualify for the European Championship."

Higher standard
Still acclimatising after stepping up from the U19s, Benzema was replaced after just 32 minutes against Slovenia. He said: "Overall the standard is much higher. The games are quicker and the players are physically stronger because they've fully matured.

'More pressure'
Given that this year's qualification campaign consists of just four matches, Benzema knows he must adapt quickly. "We can't afford to make any mistakes," he said. "We know that one defeat could spell the end of our qualification hopes so there's more pressure than there would usually be." Les Bleuets take on Israel in Caen on Saturday, before travelling to Hertzeliya for the return leg four days after that.


UEFA
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maybe he can play against inter?

No Seedorf will start, but don't worry about him being lazy, because these are the games Seedorf actually shows up for

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ3fCJJ4Rws
...

awww! he is such a handsome cutie =)
he practically ran into ricky's arms *sigh*

PS: the goal of course was also excellent lol

Yoann Gourcuff: Le Petit Zidane

He may have arrived in Milan a relative unknown, but a superb display in the Rossoneri’s Champions League opener has woken the world up to Yoann Gourcuff’s abilities. Anna Molteni of Eurocalcio reports


It is a daunting nickname to bestow on someone so young, but ‘The Little Zidane’ has already been issued to new Milan signing Yoann Gourcuff and there is no turning back now. The ex-Rennes No 10 is an established French Under-21 international and promises to feature at senior level. The youngster only celebrated his 20th birthday in July and, despite being relatively unknown, it seems many clubs were ready to take a gamble on him before the Via Turati side eagerly tracked him down.

Gourcuff reportedly chose Milan above Arsenal, Monaco, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain when he put pen to paper. “My mind was already made up – I wanted to play for the Rossoneri,” he declared as soon as the deal was finalised. He played mostly on the right for Rennes in a three-man midfield, often lining up just behind a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, so at Milan he could be an understudy to Kaka.

The native of Plomeur on the Atlantic coast is the definition of a versatile player – an attacking midfielder blessed with speed and technical ability. He’s good with his feet, but also a true athlete – characteristics that have brought the early comparisons with a genius such as Zidane. Gourcuff can’t be called a shot in the dark given these comparisons to Zizou and the love for him at home. The French youngster is also reminiscent of Kaka, not only in his facial expressions – albeit with ice-blue eyes – but also in his build and silky footwork.

Growing up in Rennes, where he was ever-present in the side for the last two seasons, he was a steady striker for the club, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last term. Gourcuff played 36 matches during the campaign, scoring six goals – his effort in the 4-1 win away to Lyon, a game that Gerard Houllier’s side needed to win to seal the championship, stands out.

Gourcuff also gained experience of continental competition after playing five games in the UEFA Cup for the club. A vital force in France’s domination of European Under-19 football, with a hat-trick in Norway, Gourcuff then became the unquestioned leader of the side under Coach René Girard in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship in Portugal. France won their Group, but were beaten 3-2 in extra time in the semi-finals by eventual winners Holland.

Milan chose to sign Gourcuff because he’s an ever-improving player. Director general Ariedo Braida – who had been involved with the transfer from the start – declared that he was particularly satisfied with the move. Undoubtedly this young talent, of whom we’ve still seen so little, awakens a great deal of curiosity. Cesare Maldini was the first to speak about him. “Our scouts watched him repeatedly and every time we received positive reports,” said the former Red Devils Coach, now a youth scout. “At Rennes he played on the right side, but we think that he could play a Kaka role.

“He’s physically a good athlete and has finesse – I think he’ll adapt well to life in Milan. I was struck by how he could move, how he ran, how comfortable he is on the ball, how he lost his marker and how he got the attention of his teammates,” explained Paolo’s father. “At Milan he can learn so much and hone his abilities. He’s a promising youngster and you can see that his qualities are going to be recognised. Our directors have given him the springboard he needs by gambling on him. Don’t forget that almost half of Europe was on his trail, but he chose Milan.” It’s a calling card for the Frenchman who will soon demonstrate his qualities – the post-Manuel Rui Costa period has already begun.

Channel 4

Good Article .. I hope the post Rui Costa era brings us fortunes

Great article. Gourcuff will become a club legend if he stays long enough.

Gourcuff is a player who will force someone out of the squad, like kaka did to rui costa and rivaldo or he will make ancelotti change the tactical system to accomadate gourcuff like rui costa did when he first arrived

I find him a mix of ZZ and kaka, as he is technically gifted and has great vision like ZZ but he has pace, finishing and flair of kaka

He also resembles kaka alot and that must count for something

Very exciting talent

^ Actually Gourcuff doesn't have much pace... But he is agile and a fast dribbler. But I agree with everything else you said.

And he can defend the ball like no one else.

True. I love how frustrated the opposition players get when they can't snatch the ball away from him!

You mean, Rui Costa style anti dribbling?

Anyone else rekon he has a bit of cristiano ronaldo about him.. like his movements..

I'd love to see that bloke as a milanista.

Him and kaka' best two midfielders going around!

C.Ronaldo likes to make step overs all the time, no matter what, even if he is about to make a cross, he has to make at least 3 step overs and a flick.

Gourcuff only does it a couple of times and normally only to beat a player

Ronaldo does step overs in any situation. While he is slepping, having sex, showering, dancing in a club, taking a $hit, while driving..............

Gourcoff isn't so fast, but he is constanly running so he seems to be everywhere. He has great technique and vision. Great future player for Milan, if he doesn't go after money to Chelsea.

BTW i'm back sorry about the long break!

Welcome back

Yeah Gourcuff deffinatelly has a promising future, he is integrating very well into the team.

Yoann enjoys Milan experience

French star Yoann Gourcuff is pleased with his progress at Milan, despite the Rossoneri’s struggles this season.

The Under-21 international joined the San Siro outfit last summer from Rennes and insists that he is grateful for the opportunity to play next to champions such as Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi, who are making his experience all the more rewarding.

“It is very motivating to train with the kind of players there are at Milan," said Gourcuff.

“It hasn’t been easy for us and it’s not nice to see that Roma and Inter are so far ahead of us in the table. However, I am happy to be at Milan,” added the midfielder, who has not been granted regular action so far.

“People talk less about me, but this allows me to work calmly, although I must admit that I sometimes miss playing with my friends.”

The Frenchman could not avoid commenting on the latest crisis involving Italian football, after rioting fans killed a policeman in Catania last Friday.

“I can understand the supporters’ passion, but hatred is unacceptable,” commented the youngster.

Milan are currently ninth with 27 points, three points shy of a Champions League spot, and will play against Livorno at the San Siro on Sunday when the Serie A resumes, most probably behind closed doors.

Football Italia

We'll be waiting too!

Gourcuff cant play ahead of Kaka, Seedorf and Pirlo ... But, I think he will have more games next season compared to this season

I can't wait for it!

Kakà-Yoann

He should have played instead of Pirlo more than once!

And istead of Ambro and Brocchi(at times) as well.

No no no

No no no what?

That is true, but Pirlo has a very sensitive role in the side .. Not any player can hold down Pirlo's space ... Sometimes I think Seedorf would be great to swap w/ Pirlo.