De Zerbi discusses being a ‘son of Milanello’, Milan return rumours and Rabiot brawl

Roberto De Zerbi has once again stressed the attachment he feels to AC Milan, claiming he feels like a ‘son of Milanello’.

Having come through the youth academy, De Zerbi has never hidden his feelings for Milan and the footballing education he got watching and learning from some of the best players to ever grace the field.

There have been frequent mentions that the Italian coach might one day come back to lead the Rossoneri. In fact, back in April it was suggested that he was the number one target, though he remained at Marseille and Massimiliano Allegri arrived instead.

‘I feel like a son of Milanello’

De Zerbi spoke during an interview with Corriere della Sera about his journey as a coach, his past at Milan, the Rabiot-Rowe feud and other topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

As a footballer, did you find an environment that shaped you?

“The Milan youth academy was a school. Maldini, Baresi, Tassotti, and all those great players taught me the ethics of football, the value of training, the importance of training harder after a win, respect within a group, starting with the schedule. I feel like a son of Milanello, of the real Milan.”

Do you miss Italy?

“Yes, I’m Italian and I follow the league a lot. But I also enjoy living abroad.”

Have you ever been close to returning as Milan coach?

“Never. Milan are playing well”

Have you ever seen a brawl like the Rowe-Rabiot one?

“Never. And I come from the streets. But it did us good, because the club chose to do without Rabiot, who didn’t want to take a step back.”

How do you see the battle at the top of Serie A?

“I’m happy for Gasperini, who paid for something he didn’t do at Inter. I’m rooting for him a little, because they labeled him as ineligible for a top-flight job. And yet, he can be anywhere.

“Napoli is very much alive, Inter are perhaps still the strongest, and Milan is playing well. It’s great to see such competitiveness.”

Who do you have to thank for your career?

“So many people. From my father, who took me to the stadium, to my mother, who has a degree in literature and forced me to study. Then Milan. And as a coach, all my players, because my thoughts shine through them. This is the essence of our work.”