Super Eagles winger Chukwueze reveals why he couldn't shine under ex-AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has explained why he struggled to impress in his first season at Italian giants AC MIlan, under manager Stefano Pioli, who was shown the exit door in May 2024.

Last summer, the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner joined AC Milan for a fee that can increase to up to 28 million euros with performance-related add-ons included.

In his final season at Villarreal, Chukwueze directly participated in 24 goals from 50 appearances but could not replicate his performances from the previous campaign, managing only six goal involvements in 33 matches for Milan. 

The Nigerian missed some part of pre-season preparations ahead of the 2023-2024 season as he was left of the AC Milan squad for the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour that was held in United States.

Another reason he had a difficult start to his Rossoneri career was due to injury which slowed down his integration into the team. 

Chukwueze was second choice in the pecking order of right wingers in his first season at AC Milan, with ex-coach Pioli choosing United States dazzler Christian Pulisic over the Nigerian. 

Pulisic lived up to expectations, registering 26 goal involvements n 50 matches, and his form meant Chukwueze was often on the bench, 

On what went wrong with ex-coach Pioli, Chukwueze told La Gazzetta dello Sport via AC Milan news hub Milan Matters: "I arrived late, in the end of July, it was a bit difficult to convince him; who was playing in my position was scoring goals. 

"I had a good relationship with Pioli, he's a fantastic guy and a great coach."

Chukwueze has been tipped to play an important role for AC Milan in the forthcoming season on the back of his impressive performances during pre-season preparations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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