Montolivo: I'm at AC Milan to replace Pirlo

Posted Friday, September 07, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Riccardo Montolivo is determined to make an impact at AC Milan and aims to emulate Andrea Pirlo at the San Siro.

The latter left the Rossoneri for Juventus in the summer of 2011 after a 10-year spell at the club, and the former Fiorentina man feels it is up to him to make the Milan fans forgot about the illustrious playmaker.

"Whether I’m here to replace Pirlo? Yes that’s what I’m here for," Montolivo was quoted as saying by 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."

The midfielder then went on to stress that he is not a trequartista, 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 No. 10. I want to be remembered as a complete midfielder who knew how to defend, lead and attack.

"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: regista, mezz’ala, trequartista."

Montolivo is currently sidelined with a muscular problem.