Son of former AC Milan striker Patrick Kluivert, Justin Kluivert spoke ahead of Bournemouth’s meeting against the European giants.

It’s a dream match-up for Bournemouth, a chance to feature on the world stage and a real testament to their rise in recent years. 20 years ago, they finished five points above the relegation spots in League Two. 10 years ago, it was five points above the relegation spots in the Premier League.

A fantastic footballing story, this will be a pinnacle (so far) of their rise up the ranks and Milan cannot allow it to be a game that’s remembered fondly. As seen in Ruben Amorim’s press conference, the English press are paying a lot of attention and he, aside from anyone else, needs to prove something.

As much as it’s a big chance for the Cherries, it’s a bigger chance for the Rossoneri.

Kluivert speaks before Bournemouth-Milan

Speaking in his press conference last night, the Dutch attacker spoke about the history of the two clubs, his own relationship with the Diavolo and the game itself, as MilanNews relays.

What’s the atmosphere like for you players the day before an occasion like this?

“It’s going to be a fantastic match against an opponent who’s doing very well this season and has a great history. So yes, I’m sure the fans are looking forward to this match with great anticipation.”

Has there been a turning point in the locker room?

“Yes, 100%. I think we were a bit unlucky at the start of the season: we had played some good games, then the one against Chelsea was a poor performance for us. I’d call it a small wake-up call, and our reaction afterwards was excellent.

“We want to continue on this path and we feel good. We’re also recovering players, including me, we’re doing well, and this will certainly give the team a further boost.”

Did anyone on the staff or Marco Rose talk to the players about the history between Milan and Bournemouth? About the fact that your red and black stripes in the ’70s were inspired by Milan, as was your nickname?

“We haven’t talked about it, but it’s really nice to know! But yes, tomorrow will be a real battle of the Rossoneri shirts.”

What do you know about Milan?

“They have several players who have played a lot of Premier League games, so they know our league and what Bournemouth are capable of. It’s up to us to show them that again tomorrow on the pitch, bringing the intensity we usually show at home, if not even greater.

“As I said, it will be an extraordinary match, especially because I know they’re doing very well in Serie A. It will undoubtedly be a fantastic match.”

You already faced Milan when you were at Roma…

“Yes, I’ve played against them and I’ve always known that they’re a huge club with a great history, that has always had great players and continues to have them. So it will be a great challenge for us, but I think it will definitely be a great challenge for them too.”

Why have Bournemouth been so much more effective in the Europa League than in the Premier League so far?

“Well, we all know that the Premier League is the highest level in the world, 100%. The physical impact of the Premier League is the best around. However, as I was saying, we’ve played some excellent games: if you look at the start of the season, for example, at Manchester City, we held on until the end, only giving in at the end.

“And I think the first few games have all gone a bit like that. The only game we really failed to achieve was the one against Chelsea, but the reaction afterwards was excellent, and we’ll start from there.”

How are you?

“Absolutely, 100%! I’m really happy to be back in shape. I’ve already got minutes in my legs in the last two games and now I feel great. These are the games everyone wants to play in and where you want to prove your worth.

“As I was saying, we’re facing Milan and then Manchester United: these are the games you love, the ones you’ve dreamed about since you were a kid and for which you don’t even need any special motivation or encouragement.

What are your memories of this competition, having experienced it over the years?

“I remember my first six months and immediately finding myself in the Europa League final with Ajax. We lost to United, but it’s an extraordinary feeling. And even now that I’m older and haven’t played in other finals, I know how special that moment is and how wonderful it is to reach milestones like that.

“It’s something I really want to achieve with Bournemouth this year too, and I firmly believe we can do it if we stick together as a group. I have no doubt about that.”

Is this belief perhaps also based on the level of the teams you’ve faced so far?

“It’s simply the blind faith I have in our team. I know what we can do, how far we can go: there are extraordinary teams competing in Europe, but I consider ourselves one of those great teams, and the quality we have in our squad is exceptional.

“Of course, we need everyone available because there are so many matches scheduled, between the Premier League, the cups, and the Europa League, so everyone’s contribution is needed, and it’s excellent news that almost everyone is back.

“So yes, we can truly compete with our heads held high in every tournament and competition.”

You have a very strong family connection to AC Milan, because your father played there. What does he tell you about AC Milan as a club and his experience there?

“Yes, the time he spent there has remained in his heart, obviously. As I said before, we’re talking about a club with a great history; even though he didn’t play there for many years, he always speaks with immense love about AC Milan, and I can completely understand that.”

When the Europa League draw was held and you saw the match schedule, do you remember your emotions and those of the locker room when you saw AC Milan as your opponents? Was there great excitement in seeing such a renowned name come to play at the “Vitality Stadium”?

“Yes, absolutely! There are some clubs where you immediately say, ‘Okay, these are the clubs that can aim to win the cup or at least be among the best in the tournament.’ And AC Milan is one of them. But you always want to compete against the best teams in the competition, so we were happy to face them and we’re ready.

“As I said before, we’re hungry for big matches, and it’s even more wonderful to play it at the Vitality Stadium, our home. It will be a special night for the fans.”

Will facing one of the most prestigious clubs in football history be a further symbol of Bournemouth’s growth and ambition, as well as the progress they’ve made in recent years?

“Yes, I’d say so. One of the reasons I came here is precisely the ambition the club has shown. Not just in words, but also in deeds, with the kind of players they’ve signed and continue to sign. They’ve kept their word, and the rest is up to us on the pitch.

“Tomorrow will be a night where people will enjoy themselves and say, ‘We’re playing against AC Milan!’ You know, they’re not used to nights like this here, so it will be truly special. And I hope that, by winning, we can concretely demonstrate the growth we’re on.”

Comparing the histories of AC Milan and Bournemouth, the comparison almost doesn’t hold up. But if we talk about the ambition of this club, the progress made, and the calibre of players Bournemouth has in its squad…

“And I think that’s precisely the strength of our team, and it has been for the past few years: we believe that, no matter who we’re playing against, we can play our game and win against anyone. That’s what makes us strong.

“Of course, you can’t win every single game, but our mentality is this: we know we can beat anyone, and that’s why we’re able to play at such a high level at times.”

You said you spoke a bit with your father about AC Milan. Can you tell us more about that conversation? What did he tell you about AC Milan that makes it such a special club?

“He told me that it’s all about passion there, especially in Italy. People live football viscerally; for them, football is everything. If you do well, they treat you like a king: you can go anywhere and they don’t charge you anything!

“But there’s also the other side of the coin: if things go badly, you’re the worst of all, and they make you pay dearly! Jokes aside, we’re talking about a fan base and a people with an immense passion, for whom football is everything, and that’s something beautiful.”

Are there any AC Milan players you remember watching as a child or who inspired you? Besides your father, of course…

“My father is obviously one of those, but AC Milan has seen so many extraordinary champions pass through: I’m thinking of Franco Baresi, what he did there was incredible! Or Alessandro Costacurta, who has a wonderful history with the Rossoneri…

“I could name an endless list of legends, like Balotelli and Seedorf, who have worn that shirt. Great names, great champions.”

You’ve already impressed one of your father’s former clubs since joining Bournemouth, scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle. Could something similar happen tomorrow night?

“Let’s try, why not! You know, that’s exactly why we’re out there. Like I said, I want to be decisive for the team, and that means scoring goals, sacrificing myself on the pitch, and playing with incredible intensity.

“That’s what I always bring to my game, and tomorrow will be no exception. Let’s try to score three- why not!”