Michael Essien is likely to start against Verona in place of the suspended Nigel de Jong. In an interview with SkySport, he addressed the infamous Ebola Twitter hoax and spoke about Balotelli, coach Inzaghi and Milan.
On Ebola: “It was a quiet Sunday evening at home, when Dr Tavana called me to tell me the news, but I told him that was not absolutely true. At first I smiled, but then the rumours increased so I thought it was not an issue to joke with. I talked to my lawyers to figure out what they can do, you cannot just invent news. I do not have Ebola.”
On Balotelli: “Mario is a good person, we are great friends, we already knew each other before we met here. He later left Milan, but I’m sure he will have a great future. He still has much to improve, but he has all the qualities to be a top player.”
Speaking about Filippo Inzaghi, he said: “I really like him as a coach. He is a person who listens to us and even entertains us and makes us go onto the field free to express ourselves. This is also why we are giving our best. I have had many coaches in my career and maybe Inzaghi reminds me a little of Ancelotti, who coached me at Chelsea: he also leaves us free to express ourselves on the field and that is what he is doing right. I think it’s the right thing to do.”
On Milan’s season: “I think last season was hard for us, but now everything is different and things are much better. We need to bring in a better AC Milan. ”
On his time at Milan: “Like everyone else, I’d like to start from the beginning in all matches. I do not know if I will be starting against Verona , but I’m always ready and available. I accept peacefully all the decisions of the coach. ”
On Jeremy Menez: “Menez surprised me, I know him from when he played in France, then I followed his exploits with Roma and at PSG. Jeremy can still grow a lot, he really is a top player.”
