NBA superstar visits Milanello and dons the famous jersey.
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant visited AC Milan’s training headquarters on Saturday, and spoke of his love for the club.
The 34-year-old spent time in his childhood growing up and playing basketball in Italy before returning to the States, not before learning to speak fluent Italian and becoming an avid supporter of the Rossoneri.
The NBA star was also recently spotted at the Confederations Cup watching an Italy game, and has always been a keen viewer of the sport.
As a result, he was given a warm welcome on his visit to Milanello on Saturday, where he was greeted by club officials and players such as Daniele Bonera and Andrea Poli, who presented him with his own personalised jersey.
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
Bryant is belived to have been visiting Milanello to receive treatment on an Achilles tendon injury he suffered at the end of last season.
He is expected to return for pre-season training camp for the Lakers after a swift recovery, but took time out of his treatment to discuss his love for the Rossoneri.
“I have always been a Milan fan,” Bryant told Milan Channel as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Back in LA I have a Milan scarf and shirt hanging up in my locker room,” he added.
Bryant stopped to take photos and sign autographs during his tour of the facilities, and was clearly thrilled by the welcome he received.
Nevertheless, renowned for his competitive nature, he is likely to immediately return to his rehabilitation program in order to be fully fit ahead of the new campaign.
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