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Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko has compared himself to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
The midfielder is thriving on a season-long loan with AC Milan after struggling in his debut season at Chelsea.
The Blues signed Bakayoko in a £40million deal from Monaco in 2017, but the Frenchman failed to replicate his form in England and was shipped out on loan by Stamford Bridge boss Maurizio Sarri last summer.
He is starring for Milan as they aim to qualify for the Champions League – and has likened his ability to three-time Premier League winner Vieira, who joined Arsenal from Milan in 1996 and made 407 appearances for the Premier League side.
The Frenchman, 24, told Milan TV: “I’m most like Vieira because he’s tall, strong and he has a lot of technical ability. I think I’m most like this type of player.
“I just want to thank the fans for their confidence in me. We need them to finish in the top [four] places.”
After taking time to adjust to Italian football, Bakayoko has won over Milan supporters.
He added: “I think all the fans have changed their mind about me and I’m happy about that.
“I’m very happy, the team are playing well and improved a lot. I think the last three or four games, teams haven’t scored against us and I think we need to keep going, but I’m very happy to be here, to finish the season well.
“I’m happy in this period and I’m playing well. I’m very humble, if I’m here it’s because the team are playing very well.
“I always try to improve. I’m here for just six months but I think after nine months I’ll be better with the team.
“We just have to work and improve in every training session and match.”
Bakayoko also revealed he’d love to make his stay in Serie A permanent.
“Staying at Milan is my dream, that’s the only thought in my mind, but I have a contract with Chelsea,” he said. “I just want to finish the season in fourth place, then we’ll think about it.”