a month into his move to European giants AC Milan Taarabt has claimed he can be the best player in the world.
The 24-year-old Moroccan has never been short of confidence, although his showings in the England’s top flight often left much to be desired.
It came as no shock when it was announced his loan move at Craven Cottage had been cut short at the end of January, however the fact that it was because he was moving to the Serie A club – rather than heading back to Loftus Road – had most baffled.
Taarabt, though, has made five appearances – playing the full 90 minutes four times – for the Rossoneri, scoring twice, and was named man of the match in the 2-0 victory over Sampdoria.
The re-invigoration, however, is no surprise to the man once likened to Zinedine Zidane by Harry Redknapp, who managed him at both Tottenham and QPR.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ’I am not surprised with my performances at Milan so far. I know what I can do and I feel like an important player at Milan.
‘When Milan signed me, I told myself that I have to grab this opportunity with both hands. I have already thrown away four years and cannot afford to waste any more time.
‘I have little time to convince Milan, but I want to take this chance.’
He added: ‘I still have to prove myself, but I believe in my own qualities.
‘I want to become the Messi of Milan. Players like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are an inspiration. I am not at their level yet, but it’s my objective to get there.’
