Soccer-No panic for Mirante after receiving Milan offer out of the blue

| Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:23:22 GMT

ROME, Oct 14 (Reuters) – Antonio Mirante says he did not need to think twice before accepting an unexpected offer to sign for AC Milan until the end of the season on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old was brought in as emergency injury cover after first-choice Rossoneri goalkeeper Mike Maignan was ruled out for 10 weeks following wrist surgery.

“I am aware and experienced enough to not allow any panic to set in, in light of the situation. Even though this all came out of the blue,” Mirante told Milan TV.

“The negotiations were lightning fast. Yesterday afternoon I got the call following Maignan’s injury, for whom I wish the best of luck, we hope he will be back soon.

“The negotiations, if we can call them that, took no time at all because I accepted immediately, there was never any doubt in my mind.”

Mirante was a free agent after leaving AS Roma at the end of last season, and brings vast experience with 368 Serie A appearances for Roma, Bologna, Parma, Sampdoria and Siena.

He will compete with Romanian Ciprian Tatarusanu for the starting spot, with Maignan not expected to return to action until 2022.

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“Considering my age, it is right that I should bring human qualities to the dressing room, which from the outside appears to already be at a really high level,” he said.

“The team are always well laid out on the field, they have a clear idea, a precise identity, while still being versatile. They are a team that can have their say against anyone.”

Milan are second in the Serie A table, two points behind leaders Napoli, and face Hellas Verona on Saturday. (Reporting by Alasdair Mackenzie Editing by Toby Davis)

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