Speaking to 'Gazzetta dello Sport', Emerson Royal reflected on his recent, brief tenure at Milan, following his return to Brazil.

Now playing for Flamengo, the full-back conveyed his contentment: "I'm doing well and finally happy. Returning to Brazil after years abroad is special. We are competing in two important competitions. A key reason for my return was the desire for greater recognition in my home country. It's wonderful to feel loved," he stated.

Detailing his transfer to Milan from Tottenham, Emerson Royal explained the signing process: "Milan first contacted my agent, then the directors, and finally Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They presented me with the project, and I accepted," he revealed.

However, his reception at the Italian club was not what he anticipated: "I arrived in Italy with a strange feeling from the beginning. Whenever I spoke or acted, the criticism focused on me more than Cristiano Ronaldo, in a negative way. I felt I needed to exert twice the effort to be accepted, and even then, it didn't materialise," he recounted.

Royal's departure after a year was a personal decision: "It came from me. I discussed it with my family and my agent, and the idea of leaving became a priority. I couldn't continue with that feeling. At Tottenham, a similar situation arose, but I managed to reverse the perception there. Initially, people criticise, but then they don't want you to leave. It's a matter of time and adaptation," he explained.

He elaborated: "I considered doing the same at Milan, staying to prove my worth. However, after an injury and months out, that negative feeling intensified. When I realised the relationship was already strained, I understood that remaining would not be the right choice," he justified.

Finally, Emerson Royal affirmed that he has no regrets about leaving Italy: "Honestly, no. Italy is a beautiful country, Milan is a top club, but I don't miss it. I miss Spain, where I was very happy at Betis, and also England. Not Italy," he concluded.

Emerson Royal

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