AC Milan signing Junior Messias has paid tribute to former club Crotone.

Messias left Crotone for Milan on deadline day, having been playing semi-pro football just three years ago.

He said, “Crotone changed my life. I played in higher categories, I found a coach as good as Stroppa who made me grow a lot, I found a family. After 5 years, starting from Excellence in Serie A is not a normal thing. I thought that, despite being 29 years old, I can still grow.

“I care a lot about football, sport is very important to me; I always try to improve, every day I give my best. You have to sacrifice yourself, you can't wait on the sofa for something you arrive: if you want it you have to go and get it."

Messias admits his strong faith helped keep his motivation levels high.

He added: “Yes, it is very important for me. I always went to church when I was in Turin, on Mondays I went to clean the church. I have many friends from many countries."