– Feels well equipped – VG

– The plan is to see if I can join the team and stay there. You may have to count on spending some time, but at the same time I think it’s realistic to take that step now. I feel well equipped and very prepared, says the 20-year-old to VG.

He has just completed his first training session in Milan clothing, along with three other non-included players to face Portugal’s Rio Ave in the Europa League playoffs on Thursday night.

– It was fun to start and fun to greet some of the other players.

In a slightly broken line on the way from the training facility, Hauge recounts what it was like to wear the black and red suit for the first time.

– When I put it on and saw the Milan emblem, the Serie A logo and the Champions League trophy with the number 7 inside, it was big. Only when you realize how big this club is, says Hauge.

Milan have won the most generous club tournament in Europe seven times, under the names of the Champions League and Series Winners’ Cup.

The difference with Bodø could hardly have been greater. In Milan, he has his own driver who, according to himself, “makes sure he’s in the right place at the right time”.

– It is a step forward in every way possible and then it will be exciting to see how I handle it. I’m hoping to tackle it and take new steps, he says.

Side by side with Milan legend Paolo Maldini, a kind of Italian Berg if you will, Hauge was introduced to suit number 15, which has been worn by players like Ruud Gullit and Zvonomir Boban.

– It was fun and great meeting him. He is an icon and one of the great legends of football. There was a good atmosphere when I entered his office. He’s an incredibly open, honest, and personable guy. An amazing gentleman so it was good to talk to him.

– In a club like Milan, most of the numbers have been used by big stars. It will be fun. For me, it doesn’t matter that much, it says about the suit number.

He takes with him the experiences he gained during his time alone in Ålesund. The last time before disappearing from Bodø, he also bought and lived in his own apartment.

– It was new to me at the time, so it’s good to have gained that experience and to know a bit about what it is like and what is required of me off the court. I am very happy that this is not the first time that I will move in by myself, he says.

– So you have gained some experience cooking?

– Fortunately, I’m good at cooking. It probably won’t be every day, but it’s good that it feels good and I’m comfortable with that.

– And the Italian? Will it be a private tutor?

– I’ll start with that as soon as possible. It will be fun and great for me to learn a new language.

However, it is not only cattle that will be different when Hauge moves to Milan. Very few players have managed to jump directly from the Eliteserien to the major leagues.

– Of course I am aware that it is a big step and that it may take time to get into the style of play and the way they train, says Hauge.

A few years ago, Bodø / Glimt started a development project where one of the topics was how to develop their wings.

Now they have sold both Håkon Evjen and Jens Petter Hauge, both skilled combination players, to European clubs.

– I am very happy with the qualities that I have as a player and the fact that I am not locked into a system or role, I feel that it is important for me to be successful and adapt to that role as soon as possible. I love to combine and I am absolutely sure that I will make great strides.

– And then could it help that I can take on more roles and systems?

– Totally agree. I am also lucky to have been part of the national team. There is also another way to play, so it will probably be fine.

– How did you manage to be so brave at the San Siro when you found out that Milan was following you?

– It is one of my strengths that I don’t think so much about consequences. I see opportunities and I knew it was a good opportunity for me personally, but also for the team. We came close to getting a result there. Then everything could have happened. You just have to go for it, then it just has to blow up or transport.

Now he could be happy that Bodø / Glimt did not beat Milan, although the story could have been different if the Yellows had progressed to the Europa League group stage.

In Milan, he has been greeted like a superstar ever since he set foot on the ground.

– There has been a bit of pressure from the media and fans, but it’s good that people think it’s fun to come, says Hauge.

– Have you received many messages?

– It has been a lot. In fact, it’s been a bad hidden secret and I have told you (colleagues and friends) all the way how it is. I really appreciate the messages I get. I will sit down today or tomorrow and receive an answer for everyone. It means a lot that people follow, he says.

– You have a greeting for Norway, then?

– I have to thank the club and the fans for the time I have had at Glimt. It has been a journey that I can remember with pride, he says.

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