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Davide Calabria has revealed more details about the end of his time at AC Milan, also revisiting his time at Bologna and the Coppa Italia final.
Calabria’s journey took him through various local youth teams to the Milan academy, then graduating to the senior side and wearing the captain’s armband of the first team of his boyhood club Milan. The full-back was present for the 2021-22 Scudetto win, and the Supercoppa Italiana triumph in January.
In total the defender spent 18 years at Milan and in the most recent winter window went to Bologna on loan until the end of the season. That expired, as did his contract at Milan, and so he chose a brand new experience by signing as a free agent for Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League.
Calabria gave an interview to Rivista Undici where he discussed a number of different topics, from the current Milan team to how his time at the club came to an end, with MilanNews relaying his words.
You grew up at Milanello, won trophies, and led your boyhood team as captain. How does it feel when it all ends at any moment?
“In life, everything ends, so sooner or later it was bound to happen. Of course, I always hoped for more later than before. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of Milan for so many years, between the youth system and the first team.
“It’s something very few can say they’ve done, especially growing up in the youth academy, making my debut, staying in the first team, becoming captain, and winning trophies. Teammates, coaches, managers, and clubs changed, but I stayed for a long time and played often. I have no regrets.
“I’m proud of it. As a fan, playing for Milan was my dream, and I did it. I never imagined I’d become their captain. We lifted trophies. I joined a Milan team that wasn’t what the club was used to being, and I left a team that was fighting for the Scudetto and trophies, even though I think there was one last piece missing to be competitive in the Champions League.
“I repeat: everything ends. Then it ended as it ended, it happened. There were some things that hurt everyone a little, born in a bad season for me.” certain factors. I think I was the one who suffered the most, perhaps I was too attached to Milan and I struggled to accept certain things.
“Those months were tough. Until the growing unease came out and the decision was made to separate. It had become a difficult situation, we had to do something. It was never my intention to leave Milan. You all know what happened, even if no one says it.”
What made you leave Milan?
“After years and years between Vismara and Milanello, people I know and care about, and after having shared so much, I was sad to leave due to some unpleasant incidents. I think those moments ruined my image a little, even though I didn’t actually do anything wrong…
“Anyone who really knows me knows who I am. I have my own character, I’ve always put my heart and soul into it. I was obviously very passionate about it. I was captain, and I’m not someone who deludes themselves that everything will always go well and pretend there are never any problems.
“Many people then vented their anger at me. By talking about it and being respectful, you improve. This may have worked against me at the time. I definitely prefer to die with my own ideas than with the ideas of others.
“I had to accept it; honestly, I didn’t want to deal with certain people anymore. There were few solutions: maybe I’d be left out of the squad or have other problems. Or I could leave. And if I tell you how the opportunity at Bologna arose…”
Did the planets align?
“Yes. I wasn’t playing for Milan at the time. Bologna had asked for information. Obviously, for me it was out of the question; I wanted to stay in Milan. They told me that Sartori had joked to my former agent: ‘If he ever argues with the manager, know that we’re here for you.’
“Two days later, what we all saw, unfortunately, happened… I was so sorry. It was very embarrassing and out of place for me; I couldn’t explain it. The situation was quite delicate. So we took the opportunity to go to Bologna.”
You smiled again in Bologna. What was that experience like?
“I don’t know every team in the world, but I think Bologna was definitely one of the best I could have ever played for. And in fact, I was disappointed not to be able to stay. The energy between the city, the team, and the dressing room was wonderful, incredibly enjoyable.
“I was very happy. I didn’t want to leave Milan, but finding a situation like that brought me back to happiness. I found a team where I felt good. Bologna is hard to explain; the whole atmosphere is so family-like.
“I had Milan as my only point of reference, I found a new dimension, with an incredible closeness to the team. They loved me right from the start. Unfortunately, that accidental injury in the Coppa Italia kept me off the pitch for a few weeks, and I was disappointed.
“At that point, I was a starter and playing every game. But then the Coppa Italia arrived, the icing on the cake of a journey and the joy that is now palpable in that city.”
And that Coppa Italia final…
“A great joy. We were overwhelmed when we took the bus tour of the city. Winning a cup for Bologna was an extraordinary event. In Milan, winning was something that had to be done, and I had grown up with this mentality.
“For the people of Bologna, however, it was something new. Fully deserved. After the first few games, I was immediately sure we would win. Even in the locker room, there was the feeling that we could win the Coppa Italia.
“To energise myself and the atmosphere, I had hung photos of the cup everywhere: in my locker, in the dressing room, outside the gym, and in the physio. But I felt it, I often said it to my friends too. I just hoped we wouldn’t face Milan, actually…”
Are Allegri’s Milan a Scudetto contender?
“Yes, absolutely. The team is strong, they’ve finally found someone capable of creating a cohesive group and protecting it, capable of then providing a solid defensive foundation, which I think is crucial for winning. Allegri is a winner; he’s already won a lot in Italy and knows how to do it.
“He’s experienced, and plus they play once a week: they have time to recharge and work on his ideas. I would have been curious to be coached by him. Everyone speaks highly of him and is happy with him. And I’m also crazy about the way he communicates; he’s the best at it and often makes me laugh.”
Were you disappointed by how Pioli’s time in Florence ended?
“Very much so. I have a wonderful relationship with the coach, he was important to me. We were incredibly disappointed when he left Milan, and you could see how much we loved him, both the players and the fans.
“He took over a club in a crisis and brought it back to where it deserves to be. I imagine he also knew Florence would be a difficult challenge. I think some dynamics fell apart, but you never know from the outside. Football is strange, though, and things can fall apart in an instant, and vice versa.
“I’ve spoken to him, yes. He recently wrote to me, and I had written to him when he was fired from Florence. He was very disappointed because he had different ambitions and hopes. I hope he can start over again, he deserves it.”
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