Playing for AC Milan will be 'another world', says Bakaye Traore

Bakaye Traore revealed his joy and excitement at joining AC Milan this summer and believes it will provide a completely different experience to that which he earned at Nancy.

The Mali international impressed during his country's African Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year and his transfer to the Rossoneri was announced last week when he penned a three-year contract. The midfielder confessed that he is looking forward to meeting his new star team-mates and hopes he does not disappoint his new employers.

"I cannot wait to experience another dimension, another world, and to meet some of the biggest players in the game," Traore revealed to France Football.

"I always thought that to attract prestigious clubs such as Milan, you had to grow up in big clubs and play the European Cup.

"They wanted to get me from Nancy, they came to let me find a home, it's incredible. For me it's like a dream. This is a great honor, I am extremely proud.

"Every footballer dreams of reaching the highest level. Hopefully I'm not going to disappoint them. I want to show that I'm able to play there."

The 27-year-old also took time to thank Nancy for giving him his big chance and scoffed at suggestions that he will be instantly loaned out by his new club.

"I do not know if this is because there are many differences between Nancy and Milan people ... but this is not true at all [going out on loan].

"If they have brought me here, it is because they believe in me and they think I am able to meet the challenges.

"It is Nancy who gave me my chance in Ligue 1. I will not forget that. Three years later, I have joined one of the best clubs in the world. It is also thanks to them that I am here."

Traore featured for Nancy from 2009 to 2012, scoring 11 goals in over 70 league appearances.