Former AC Milan great Serginho believes Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze deserves another opportunity to prove himself at San Siro after showing encouraging signs during pre season under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Chukwueze returned to Milan this summer following a loan spell at Fulham and now appears to have a genuine opportunity to revive his career with the Italian giants. The 27 year old endured an inconsistent spell after joining Milan from Villarreal in 2023, but his recent performances have given the club fresh reasons to believe that his best football could still be ahead of him.
Serginho, who enjoyed a successful career at Milan and remains highly regarded by supporters of the Rossoneri, believes Chukwueze should not be written off after his difficult first years at the club.
The former Brazilian international’s backing comes at an important moment for Chukwueze. Rather than returning to Milan simply as a squad player following his season in England, the Nigerian has impressed Amorim enough to become part of the Portuguese coach’s plans for the new campaign.
Chukwueze’s situation has changed considerably since his arrival from Villarreal. Milan signed him in July 2023 on a contract running until June 2028, with the club expecting his explosive pace, dribbling ability and creativity to provide another attacking option.
However, adapting to Italian football proved difficult.
The Nigerian produced moments of quality but struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter. Competition for attacking positions, tactical changes and fluctuations in form meant that he never fully reproduced the level of performances that made him one of La Liga’s most exciting wingers.
His spell at Villarreal had created huge expectations.
Chukwueze joined Villarreal’s academy from Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria and quickly progressed through the Spanish club’s system. He made his senior breakthrough in 2018 and eventually became one of the most dangerous wide players in La Liga.
One of the highlights of his Villarreal career came during the club’s successful 2020/21 Europa League campaign. Chukwueze played an important role as Villarreal lifted the trophy, defeating Manchester United in the final on penalties.
His performances also helped establish him as a regular member of the Nigerian national team.
Chukwueze made his Super Eagles debut in 2018 and has since become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable attacking players. His direct style, acceleration and willingness to take defenders on have made him a valuable option on the international stage.
But his Milan journey has been considerably more complicated.
After failing to consistently secure a starting position, Chukwueze moved to Fulham on loan last season. The Premier League experience offered him an opportunity to rediscover his confidence in a different environment, and he showed enough quality to remain on the radar of clubs in England and Spain.
Fulham ultimately did not make the move permanent, meaning Chukwueze returned to Milan ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Portuguese coach has given Chukwueze a fresh tactical role and appears determined to get more from the Nigerian’s natural qualities. Reports indicate that Amorim has used him in a different wide position within his system, giving the player greater freedom to attack while also demanding more defensive discipline.
Chukwueze responded positively during pre season.
One of his most impressive displays came during Milan’s 4 to 2 victory over Manchester United, when he contributed a goal and two assists. The performance immediately generated excitement around his prospects for the new campaign and demonstrated that the Nigerian still possesses the ability to influence matches at the highest level.
It is precisely this kind of performance that Serginho believes Milan should focus on.
Chukwueze is still only 27, meaning there is considerable time for him to reach the level expected when Milan initially signed him. His pace has not disappeared, his dribbling remains one of his biggest weapons and his experience has grown considerably since his move from Spain.
The challenge now is consistency.
For Chukwueze, the new season represents more than another campaign. It is an opportunity to rebuild his reputation at one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
Amorim’s willingness to experiment with his position could also prove crucial. If the Nigerian can adapt defensively while maintaining his attacking instincts, he could become an important component of Milan’s new tactical identity.
There is also a wider significance for Nigeria.
With the Super Eagles continuing to rely on Chukwueze’s creativity and pace, regular football at Milan would be a major boost for the national team. A confident Chukwueze playing regularly against elite opposition could provide Nigeria with another dangerous attacking weapon.
The story is therefore far from finished.
What once appeared to be a disappointing Milan chapter could still develop into a successful second act. Chukwueze now has a new manager, a different tactical role and renewed confidence.
Serginho’s endorsement adds another layer of encouragement, but ultimately the responsibility rests with the Nigerian himself.
If he can turn his impressive pre season form into consistent competitive performances, Chukwueze could finally give Milan supporters the player they expected when he arrived from Villarreal.
For now, the door at San Siro remains open.
And Chukwueze has another chance to walk through it.
