Adel Taarabt wants to become AC Milan's Lionel Messi

Adel Taarabt has said that he wants to become as important to AC Milan as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.

The 24-year-old Morocco international, who joined the Italian giants on loan from Queens Park Rangers in January, has scored two goals in three Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.

"I am not surprised with my performances at Milan so far," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know what I can do and I feel like an important player at Milan. 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. I still have to prove myself, but I believe in my own qualities.

"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."

Milan are currently ninth in Serie A with 35 points from 25 matches.