Samuel Chukwueze: I Didn’t Get Enough Chances at AC Milan, Premier League Suits Me Better

Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that he was not given enough time or opportunities to fully express himself during his spell at AC Milan.

The Nigerian international joined Fulham on a season-long loan from the Serie A giants last summer after struggling to secure regular playing time at the San Siro. Chukwueze had moved to Milan from Spanish side Villarreal three years ago but failed to make a significant impact before his temporary switch to England.

Since arriving at Craven Cottage, the 26-year-old has rediscovered his best form, scoring two goals and providing four assists in nine Premier League appearances, quickly becoming an important attacking outlet for the London club.

Speaking about his experience in Italy, Chukwueze suggested that the nature of Italian football did not play to his strengths, while admitting he felt short-changed in terms of opportunities.

“I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed,” he was quoted as saying by Milanista.
“But that’s football. I just have to keep working.”

The winger believes the pace and openness of English football suits his game better than Serie A’s tactical demands.

“Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics,” he added.

Despite his frustrations, Chukwueze insisted his bond with AC Milan remains strong, describing the club as a second home.

“I miss Milan,” he admitted.
“It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best.”

He also admitted that his future is still tied to the Rossoneri, with his current stay in England only temporary.

“I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”

Chukwueze’s resurgence at Fulham could yet reopen discussions about his long-term future, either in the Premier League or back in Italy, depending on how the season unfolds.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio