Brocchi: I’ll challenge Emo Wednesday 22 August, 2007
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Milan midfielder Cristian Brocchi isn’t daunted by the arrival of Emerson and has vowed to fight for his place in the side.
After weeks of rumours and denials, ex-Juventus and Roma star Emerson oficially signed for the Rossoneri late on Tuesday night, putting Brocchi’s future in doubt.
With French prodigy Yoann Gourcuff also fighting for space in a squad with a wealth of options in the middle of the pitch, it had been suggested that the ex-Fiorentina man would be the player to make way.
“Emerson will surely be a help for the team, but from a selfish point of view it is more competition for a place,” he admitted.
“But I have always said that in order to be true competitors we need a big squad. I know that I won’t play in every game, but that just means that I have to make sure I earn my place".
The 31-year-old, who co-owns Italian clothing label Baci & Abbracci with Fiorentina striker Christian Vieri, played in 29 games last term as the Diavoli triumphed in Europe.
“I’m happy that the years in which Milan have won, 2003 and last year, were the years that I played the most. I have received less media attention than others, but perhaps the time for the spotlight will come.
“Staying at Milan may have meant giving up on the national side as I probably could have played for the Azzurri if I had been in Florence or elsewhere, but this shirt is too important to me.”
Brocchi’s chances of starting the opening game of the new campaign at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris are in the balance as Gennaro Gattuso may take his place.
Channel 4