De Sciglio embraces new challenge at Empoli: “I can play in three positions”

Mattia De Sciglio, former full-back for AC Milan and Juventus, has officially presented himself as an Empoli player in a press conference, sharing his thoughts on this new chapter in his career.

The experienced defender views this move as a fresh start, stating, “This is certainly a point of restart. Many athletes during their careers have had moments where they took a step back. I needed this. After returning from my knee injury, I didn’t have the opportunity to show that I’m fit. My goal is to get back in the game, and I think Empoli is the right place to do it.”

De Sciglio revealed that the transfer came about simply, with Empoli’s director Gemmi expressing interest in him. “It was something that pleased me a lot because I needed to feel important and wanted again,” he explained.

The 31-year-old emphasized the importance of challenging himself anew, regardless of the destination. “For me, it was important to get back in the game. Where it happened was relatively unimportant. I want to show that I’m doing well, and everyone spoke highly of Empoli to me. They work very well here, and everything happened very naturally.”

De Sciglio brings a wealth of experience to a young Empoli squad. “I’m the oldest here. I’ve found many young players eager to show off, and I’m convinced we’ll do very well. I bring my experience here to lend a hand,” he said.

Addressing the transition from giants like Milan and Juventus to Empoli, De Sciglio remained unfazed. “Moving from realities like Milan and Juve to Empoli didn’t scare me. Having these experiences is good for an athlete because seeing more modest realities can make you grow more.”

Regarding his role on the pitch, De Sciglio showcased his versatility: “I feel I can play both as a fourth across the entire flank and as a third center-back. In France, I also played as a center-back in a four-man defense, so I could do that too.”