‘Became a man at that extraordinary club’ – Abate reflects on time at Milan and coaching journey

Ignazio Abate has admitted that he still feels a strong connection to AC Milan despite the fact he left the club last year.

When the three whistles blew to signify the end of the 2023-24 season for Milan Primavera, many did not know that it would also signify the premature conclusion of Abate’s time with the club. He was tipped to lead Milan Futuro, the new team who took a spot in Serie C, but left under a cloud.

Admittedly, there was already talk about how the former full-back’s future with the Rossoneri was far from certain, given the fact his contract was about to run out and he seemed ready for a job at a senior side. However, it still felt like a blow when he left and started doing well with Ternana.

He also left the Serie C side in strange circumstances and he is now coaching Juve Stabia. Abate gave an interview to today’s edition of Il Corriere dello Sport, offering a couple of responses about Milan.

“After hanging up my boots, I was focused on a managerial role. I took the coaching course and realised that was my path. I’m happy because I started out in AC Milan’s youth academy. I want to learn. I hope to improve with this group,” he said (via MilanPress).

“Are Milan always in my heart? I became a man at that extraordinary club. I learned the mentality and professionalism there, as well as the sense of duty and the ethic of responsibility.

“But I also grew up thanks to the values ​​that came to me from my family: from my parents and my grandparents: Ignazio and Pasquale, Grandma Nunzia and Grandma Margherita. I was lucky to have had them.”