Kwadwo Asamoah says he is delighted to have come through pre-season unscathed and is looking forward to putting his injury nightmare firmly behind him by entering the 2016/17 campaign firing on all cylinders.
Speaking to Sky this afternoon in Vinovo, the Ghanaian began: “It’s almost two years since I enjoyed a full pre-season with the rest of the squad. This time around I’ve managed to do just that, also playing in the friendly games, and I’m happy with my achievement.
“When you’re experiencing difficulties and you’re not able to train or play consistently, it’s inevitable to feel a little concerned. I was never scared I wouldn’t make it back, but the fact that you’re not able to train normally is a tough one to take.
“Now, I’m ready to play, both as an inside midfielder and out wide – it all depends on the boss. The mood’s good in the camp, our pre-season preparations have gone well and we’re ready to begin Serie A.”
The Bianconeri’s tag of title favourites comes as no surprise to the unflappable Asamoah, who says a sixth successive Scudetto crown and convincing tilt at the Champions League should represent the team’s two priorities this season.
But what about the midfielder’s personal goals?
“We’re used to starting off as favourites, we have done every year. What matters most is for us to win each game we play, beginning of course with our first fixture against Fiorentina.
“We naturally want to defend our title, but the Champions League is an important target and winning it requires us focus in every game we play. My personal aim? To play more matches than I have done in the last two years.”