Niang sets sights on surpassing Messi

AC Milan youngster M’Baye Niang has declared he wants to be better than Lionel Messi at some point in the future.

The 18-year-old attacking starlet has previously expressed a desire to surpass the exploits of compatriot Thierry Henry, but he has set his sights firmly on reaching the pinnacle of modern football and leaving a greater legacy than the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“I want to work to become the best in the world. I always think about the Ballon d’Or,” Niang told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s my goal to win that. I want to become stronger than Messi. I work very hard, and I know that one day I will reach my goal.”

Niang added he feels honoured to represent Milan at such a young age, and is determined to repay the faith shown in him by boss Massimiliano Allegri.

“Milan are a great team that have won everything. For a young player it is an honour to be part of this club. Now I just want to repay the trust people have shown in me,” he added.

Niang, who joined the Rossoneri in 2012 from Caen, became the club’s second-youngest ever scorer in the Coppa Italia clash with Reggina in December.