De Jong: "I'm stronger than I was before. Milan truly is a family."
Part 1 (of 2) of the interview with Nigel De Jong in Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I dedicated myself completely to overcoming the injury problem, and I've always tried to maintain a positive approach. It's not easy to work and sweat without being able to play, but it was necessary. It was a pity for everyone that I got injured in a delicate moment of the season, and important for my adaptation to Serie A. But it happened. Perhaps my body had given too much and was at the point of breaking down. I primarily thought about using the time to return to being stronger than I was before. I worked hard for this, and I have had great support from everyone at the club; team-mates, directors, fans.
Milan truly is a family."

"I don't think much about the tactical set-up. The numbers in the formations don't count much. The positions vary and the important thing is to move and act as a team: play united. I'm Nigel and and I interpret football in my own way. I have never compared myself to anyone. I'm only thinking about being myself. And like I said; I believe that a team is should be judged as a team. I have a lot of heart and I'm very motivated. I’m working for my team-mates. That's what I can give to the team. That's what I do in every match."
"If I feel like a leader? Leader is a very big word, but I like it. You don't need to wear the captain's armband to be a leader. It's about what the team-mates think of you and how you behave when you're on the pitch."
"If there's a Milan player that has impressed me more than the others? No, it's the atmosphere here at Milan that impresses me. I can see that many youngsters have improved in this period. There's a positive atmosphere, and we're working well. Everybody is working hard and that's the most important thing."