Cathal Heffernan said ‘thanks a Mil’ to Stephen Ireland — for helping him secure his dream move to Serie A giants AC Milan.
The teenager insisted his move to the San Siro would not have happened without the help of the former Manchester City and Ireland midfielder.
Heffernan (16) completed his switch from Cork City to the San Siro side on Monday — initially on-loan ahead of a permanent deal in the summer.
And he was quick to pay tribute to Ireland, who has worked with him for the past two years — and who was in Milan last Thursday for contract talks.
Heffernan told the The Irish Star: “When I met Stephen, when I was 14, the work he put in behind the scenes, not just with me but with all his players, was outstanding.
“He focuses on you getting better as a player and a person.
“If I didn’t meet him, none of this would have happened. This is a dream move and Stephen opened so many doors for me. He helped me get better.
“He is a really good person and he knows the ins and outs of the game. He always wants you to get better.
“I am so grateful to have him. It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
“People don’t see the work he puts in behind the scenes — all the work he has to do, all the phone calls, it’s all done behind the scenes.
“And he wants nothing for it. I can’t thank him enough. I texted him there saying I’m so grateful to have you and thanks so much, and he was like, ‘ah you’re welcome boy’.
“He is honestly a great person.”
Meanwhile, Heffernan says he can’t wait to knock on Paolo Maldini’s door for advice on how to develop as a defender.
Legendary Italy star Maldini is Milan technical director and spends much of his time working with all the club’s defenders.
Heffernan said: “To have someone like that looking over you; even if you have a problem, if you can get to him for advice, that’s the environment you want to be in.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
