<
>

Ricardo Rodriguez aiming to return AC Milan to Champions League

Ricardo Rodriguez says that new club AC Milan belong in the Champions League after joining them from Wolfsburg.

Rodriguez, 24, became Milan's third summer signing on Thursday following the previous arrivals at the San Siro of Mateo Musacchio and Franck Kessie.

The Switzerland international signed a four-year contract and has laid out his plans to help the club return to their glory days.

"I saw Milanello [training facilities] and the club's museum today and I was so impressed," Rodriguez told Milan TV.

"We need to do well in the league and get back into the Champions League -- we will do everything to get there. I watched this club as I grew up and they are a truly great club, and we want to get back to the very top.

"I love this shirt and I'm delighted to be here to play for this club. [Franco] Baresi is a true legend and an amazing player, but I didn't only admire him and [Gennaro Gattuso], I also went crazy about Ronaldinho, [Paolo] Maldini and many others.

"I'm truly delighted to be here and I hope to make people happy. I've played at the San Siro once before and I can't wait to experience those feelings in a splendid stadium again."

Rodriguez has selected the No. 68 shirt -- the year of his mother's birth -- and will meet his new teammates after a brief summer holiday.

Milan are due back for preseason training earlier than their Serie A rivals as they prepare for the third qualifying round of the Europa League in July.

"I want to do the best we can in the Europa League," Rodriguez added.