Ahead of the first leg of the Europa League group stage at home against Benfica, AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos was interviewed by Gianluca Di Marzio, a renowned reporter from Sky Sport Italia.

How does it feel to face Benfica for the first time as an opponent—especially since you're a Benfica fan and came through their academy? What emotions are coming up? What do you feel inside? What's on your mind tonight and right now?

This will be a very special match, a completely different feeling. Because in my career so far, I've never played against Benfica as an opponent. When I saw the draw, I was already looking forward to it. They're my home club, my favourite club. This will definitely be an incredible contest; they're very strong and performing at their best lately. I'm very happy to compete against them.

So how is your integration process at AC Milan going? You've scored just one goal so far, and in recent matches, you haven't had many chances. How are you feeling now? Do you wish you had made a more immediate impact, or is this part of the integration process that takes time to adapt to our style of football here?

This is part of the process of improvement and integration. We have many new players in the team, and some players who were already here last season but didn't get many minutes. We're now learning the tactics the coach requires and also deepening our understanding and coordination with each other. This certainly takes time; big clubs and top teams can't fully integrate in just one or two matches. But personally I feel very good, I'm in top condition, just like everyone else in the team, and we continue to stay focused and work hard.

When you were growing up, Zlatan Ibrahimović was your idol, wasn't he? You met him for the first time yesterday. How was that meeting? Did you ask Zlatan for any specific advice?

I didn't have anything specific to say to him; we just had a very normal conversation. He welcomed me warmly to AC Milan, asked how I was doing, and whether I was happy. It was a very warm welcome to the team. It's truly amazing to finally have the chance to meet him; he's a legend of this club, and it's great to see him at Milanello.

When you played for Benfica, you set a personal goal-scoring record in one season—27 goals in a season three years ago, right? Is breaking or surpassing your personal goal-scoring record in one season at AC Milan a goal or ambition of yours here? Do you think about it often?

Actually, I don't think about it much. That season at Benfica, the most important thing was having a great season in the Champions League and winning the domestic league title. My goals that contributed to these team objectives were what mattered most. I certainly aspire to score many goals, but what's really important is whether the team performs well and wins matches. Having a great season as a team is what's paramount; as long as the team functions well, goals will follow naturally, and my contribution will come along with it.

You previously won the Champions League twice with your team, but not always as an undisputed starter. Would winning the Europa League as a key and primary player at AC Milan make this trophy feel more truly yours and more significant? Is winning the Europa League as a starter for AC Milan, wearing the Rossoneri jersey, your main goal right now?

Of course, we're very excited to win the Europa League. But this will be a long and difficult season. We have to stay grounded, fight match by match, rather than fantasise about the final or lifting the trophy now. We undoubtedly have a strong desire to win, and it would be beautiful if we could achieve it, but it requires a lot of effort, and we really want to win this honour.

You said in a previous press conference that if you score in this match, you won't celebrate. You haven't changed your mind, have you?

No, no (laughs). My emotional bond with Benfica is too deep; they're like family to me.

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