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Davide Calabria has revealed his hope that AC Milan win the Scudetto this season, while also admitting he remains very attached to the club.
Milan made the decision to part ways with Calabria a few months ago, given that his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. The choice not to renew him was made, and he spent the second half of the season on loan at Bologna.
Given that he is a boyhood fan of the club it was an exit that no doubt stung for the Italian full-back. After a lot of speculation about where he might end up, Calabria joined Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League on a free transfer.
‘A mix of emotions’
Calabria was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport and he spoke about a number of topics relating to his former club, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Milan-Bologna is a rematch of the last Coppa Italia final. What do you remember?
“For me, it was a twist of fate, a mix of emotions. I felt like I was going to win it, and it was a great night for me and for Bologna. At the final whistle, I knelt down, and I had a lot on my mind.
“I thought first of all about my former teammates and went to try to console them. Then I tried to enjoy the cup, even if I couldn’t fully enjoy it because of my love for Milan.”
How was it at Bologna?
“I found a fantastic group, and there was a desire to do something great with the fans in the air. That team will go down in history. Italiano is an energetic person, and you can sense his love for football, his desire to learn and improve. I got along well with him. He has a great future ahead of him.”
Your fondest Rossoneri memories?
“Milan has always been my favourite team. As a child, I went to the stadium and dreamed of wearing that jersey. I managed it for several years and won. I would have stayed at Milan forever. Even for free.
“I’ve loved every moment of this journey and I’m incredibly proud of it. Milan has been almost my entire life so far: it helped me grow, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Who was your idol?
“I’ve always admired Paolo Maldini. As a person and as a player. I think he was the greatest defender in history.”
His strongest teammates?
“As a full-back, I’d say Theo, who was and is a player in a different league than the others. Ditto Gigio Donnarumma, a player destined for the job right from the youth academy.”
Who are you still in touch with?
“Locatelli and Cutrone, but also Gabbia, Theo, and others.”
Which coaches are you most attached to?
“Pippo Inzaghi gave me my debut, Mihajlovic wanted me in the squad instead of sending me out on loan, I respect Brocchi for his ideas about football and life, Gattuso really launched me, and then Pioli, with whom I shared so many satisfying years.”
Is it true that you watch Milan games from Greece too?
“Of course, and then maybe I’ll speak with my former teammates. I’ll always root for them.”
How does it feel to see Milan out of European competition?
“It’s not pleasant, and it’s clear that something didn’t work last year. Milan deserves to be in the Champions League.”
Is Allegri the right coach?
“As a kid, I trained with him two or three times. I always admired him, and I’m happy he’s back at Milan. He’s a competent and capable coach, with great intelligence and experience, and a great communicator. Milan needed a coach of his calibre. I have faith in his work and I’m sure he’ll have a great season.”
What do you wish for Milan fans?
“To win everything there is to win. Rossoneri fans are among the best in the world, if not the best, and they deserve so much success.”
Napoli are the faviurites to win the Scudetto, or Juventus, Inter…
“The fight for the Scudetto will be thrilling until the end. Napoli have signed excellent players and have a great team, as do Inter and Juventus, but I hope Milan wins the title.”
Why are you at Panathinaikos?
“I was out of contract and chose not to wait for Serie A. Panathinaikos really wanted me: they haven’t won the league here for years, and we’re aiming for that. Athens is a city steeped in history that has always fascinated me.”
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