Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that his poor spell at AC Milan was partly due to a lack of playing opportunities, SportPremi reports.
The 26-year-old, currently with the Super Eagles squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, delivered an impressive performance in their opening game last Tuesday, helping the team secure a 2-1 victory over Tanzania.
Chukwueze joined AC Milan in July 2023 after impressing at Spanish side Villarreal, but struggled to adapt to the demands of the Italian Serie A.
The Super Eagles forward struggled with inconsistency and frequent managerial changes at the San Siro, recording only eight goals and six assists in 70 appearances across all competitions, with most of those coming as a substitute.
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He then moved to Fulham on an initial one-year loan last summer and has rediscovered his form at the English club, becoming one of their most important players.
The forward has scored twice and provided four assists in nine English Premier League matches this season, starting only three of these games.
His impressive form has led to reports of the Cottagers eyeing a permanent deal before the end of the season, although no decision has been made for now over his future.
Chukwueze reacts to underwhelming spell at AC Milan
Samuel Chukwueze played 59 minutes of Nigeria’s win over Tanzania in their 2025 AFCON opener and will be eyeing another superb showing when the Super Eagles face Tunisia on Saturday.
The winger opened up about his time in Italy during an interview in Morocco, blaming his poor performances on lack of opportunities.
“I think that in Serie A I was not given time and I did not have the opportunities I would have liked. But this happens in football: I have to keep working with my head down and maybe I’ll return to Serie A, or Liga or stay in the Premier League. English tactics are probably more suitable for my style of play than the Italian ones”, Chukwueze revealed.
“Yes, I miss him. It’s my second home. My family stayed there, so I miss them. It’s a beautiful city, but everyone has to focus on their own life. They are doing well and I wish them every luck also because I am still a Milan player, since they are on loan.”
The 26-year-old also reacted to the Rossoneri’s title challenge this season, with the club currently in the race to reclaim the Scudetto.
“Are you seeing what Milan is doing? They are playing very well. There are many things that make me think of Milan. If they can keep pushing hard, I think they can win. I definitely know that they will go among the top four, because they are doing really well”, the 26-year-old added.
Chukwueze’s attention will shift to Nigeria’s crucial clash against Tunisia on Saturday, before they conclude group action against Uganda on the 30th, hoping to deliver inspiring performances for his country.
