Kobe Bryant’s passion for soccer has been well-publicized. He grew up in soccer-crazed Italy, has appeared in a Barcelona jersey for a photo shoot, and even flashes some jugging skills with the basketball on the court from time to time. Saturday, Bryant made a visit to the AC Milan headquarters for a tour of the facility.
What a glad surprise at #Milanello this morning... Did you know @kobebryant is one of us? #weareacmilan pic.twitter.com/crMhHrc4KC
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 20, 2013
While there, Bryant spoke with Milan’s TV channel, speaking about his love for soccer and his injury recovery. Unfortunately for most Americans, Bryant conducted the interview in Italian, which he is clearly fluent in.
On the more fortunate side for Lakers and Bryant fans, we’ve found a translation (albeit it a rough translation) to English. Bryant was asked about his recovery and we he expects to be back.
"It’s difficult to say when I”ll return to playing as there’s not much I can do. I’m becoming stronger every day and I hope to return in November or December."
When asked what his expectations are next season, which most see as a lost cause of a season for the Lakers, Bryant answered as you’d expect the Black Mamba to.
"Next season I want to win the title. That’s always the dream. When you start any season you always want to win the championship. It’s the only thing that counts"
Bryant also spoke on his love for soccer and AC Milan.
"I watched Milan play when I was a kid. They had stars like Gullit, Rijkaard, Van Basten and Maldini then. Milan has always been my favorite team and it’s always in my heart. I keep a Milan shirt and scarf in my locker room in Los Angeles so I can look at them every day. It’s an honor for me to be here. I have a been a big fan of Milan since I was a kid and It was always a dream of mine to come to Milanello. I’m on vacation here but I am also working to recover from my injury."