Aleksey Miranchuk is the Player of the month for January.

The Russian midfielder was voted by the fans through the official social accounts of the Club.

The initiative is in partnership with #ItalianOptic, Atalanta’s Silver Sponsor. Here is his reaction to the award.

Aleksey, did you expect to be awarded the Player of the Month title for January.

“To tell the truth, I didn’t expect it but I’m really glad to receive this award because it’s important for me and it gives me confidence. I see how the fans care for me and all the others who support me in Russia, in Italy, everywhere. That’s why I’m very grateful to all the people who voted for me. I’m sure that I’ll continue to make progress and to help the team for the occasions like this and there will be other victories”.

You have many Russian fans but you also managed to win the heart of Atalanta fans in a short time.

“I’m glad to be received here like this, to be treated like this. I’ll do my best for them and for their love”.

What is the difference between Italian and Russian football?

“It’s a good question. You can speak about it a lot. There is a big difference, I’ll say. That’s why I made this choice, to move here, because I’m sure that I’ve achieved a new level here. The intensity is higher here, the battles are more aggressive. I chose this league because I want to make progress”.

You’ve been in Italy for several months already. What do you like most about Bergamo?

“Città Alta. I like Città Alta very much. It’s very beautiful. I like Bergamo in general because everyone here are beginning to recognise me, in restaurants. I appreciate it a lot. Everyone is so kind, they meet me with a smile. And they always say “Forza Atalanta. I like it very much and I’m glad that the people who live here are so good”.