Montolivo looks to emulate Pirlo

AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo is determined to make an impact with the Serie A giants and aims to emulate Andrea Pirlo.

The latter left AC Milan for Juventus in 2011 after a 10-year spell at the club, helping Antonio Conte’s men clinch the league title last season.

Former Fiorentina playmaker Montolivo believes it is up to him to make the Milan fans forget about the talented Pirlo.

“Whether I’m here to replace Pirlo? Yes that’s what I’m here for,” Montolivo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s useless to pretend like I don’t hear about the comparisons with Pirlo. But it’s better to demonstrate on the pitch that the critics are wrong, than do it by just talking.”

Montolivo stressed that he was not a number 10 and added that his versatility has occasionally hindered him.

“Let’s put an end to this discussion: I’m not a trequartista. I’m not a number 10. I want to be remembered as a complete midfielder who knew how to defend, lead and attack,” he said.

“It’s an advantage to be a versatile player, but on the other hand it’s a reason why people only consider me as half a player. I’ve paid dearly for my adaptability to play different roles.”

Montolivo is currently sidelined with a muscular problem.