AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu is delighted with his current form.

Kalulu is fast establishing himself as a first-choice.

"Since January I have played a series of games, thanks to some absences. But this is football. I'm always ready. When you are in a club like Milan, which is an institution, you must always feel like a starter," he said.

“When you are called on the pitch, you have to be there. I think everyone thinks of themselves in this way, and so do I.

“In reality my preferences change depending on the match, the composition of the team, the opponent…. Everything depends on how you have to play.

“Everything can vary depending on the face of the game and what is required of me. I have no preferences. During my training at Lyon, I was already very 'bouncy'."

He added: “As far as rumours are concerned, we are used to them. Since I've been at Milan it's always been the same in every market window, and this time it was the defender… We adapt.

“But it's obvious that when I see certain statements, it gives me great pleasure, especially when they come from a legend. It's gratifying."