2 weeks ago
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Emerson Royal has hit back at AC Milan fans, saying that they took their criticism of his performances too far.
It did not work out at Milan for the full-back, as he ended up joining from Spurs but lasting just a few months at the club. He went back to Brazil to join Flamengo, the club have made a loss on the deal which brought him to Italy, as he departed for €9m.
Unfortunately for him, the common theme that seems to follow Emerson Royal is that clubs are happy to see the back of him, or the fans of those clubs at least. Now he is back in his home city of Rio, surrounded by his fans, and far from some of the pressures that accompanied his journey in Europe.
Emerson Royal reveals all
Emerson gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his time at Milan as well as his present in Brazil, and to call it an honest assessment of things might well be an understatement.
Finally, you are back in Brazil…
“Today I’m fine and I’m finally happy again. Coming back here after so many years away was special. We’re playing in two important competitions, and one of the reasons I chose to come back was to make myself better known to the people of my hometown, after having spent so much time abroad. It’s a wonderful feeling to feel appreciated.”
Are you watching Serie A?
“Whenever time allows, always. The Italian games here are very late, but when I can, I watch Milan. I have friends there, especially Rafa Leao, who I talk to all the time. I’m curious to see how they do and I want to support them from home.”
Are you also following Antonio Conte at Napoli?
“When he plays against Milan, yes (laughs). Antonio is a coach who taught me a lot, especially in terms of mentality. He talked to me a lot, sometimes he seemed pushy, but I saw it in a positive light.
“I knew his goal was only to help the players improve. He has a strong character, but we shared some wonderful moments together at Tottenham.”
In the summer of 2024, Milan came calling…
“Yes, Milan spoke first with my agent, then the management called me personally, and finally Zlatan. They explained the project to me, and I liked it, so I accepted.”
When you arrive in Milan, do you feel welcomed by the fans?
“I arrived in Italy with a slightly strange feeling right from the start. From the start, every time I said or did something, I was talked about more than Cristiano Ronaldo… but in a negative way. I felt like I had to always do twice as much to be accepted, and then still not be accepted.”
A video began circulating of Tottenham fans chanting that you cannot defend or attack…
“That video was manipulated and made to look recent when I arrived at Milan, but it was an old video. It dated back to a difficult time we had with Conte. Fans comment on everything, it’s normal.
“But when I chose to leave Tottenham, the club tried to keep me because I had improved so much. And I had an excellent relationship with everyone.”
How did you experience this pressure?
“I’m someone who doesn’t get hurt easily, because I know my worth. But it’s not nice to arrive and feel that wave of hatred without even stepping onto the pitch and playing a single minute. I have family and friends: they’re the ones who suffer the most.
“It certainly wasn’t a pleasant situation. You never want to hear that while you’re trying to do your job to the best of your ability, whatever it is.”
Did you feel well-liked within the club?
“Yes, I’ve always felt the trust of the club and my teammates, and in fact I earned a starting spot at Milan. The problem was something else: in Italy, the press has enormous influence, and I wasn’t even aware of it. What’s said outside is very powerful and has an immediate impact.”
Did you notice the same trust first from Fonseca and then from Conceição?
“No difference. I played with Fonseca, and with Conceição too. The injury stopped me, and when I returned there were two games left. I spoke a lot with Sergio: he told me I would be important and a starter for his Milan. And as long as I was available, that was the case.”
So why the farewell to Milan?
“It all started with me and my request. I spoke to my family and my agent, and the idea of leaving had already become a priority. I couldn’t continue with that feeling.
“The same thing happened to me at Tottenham, but there I managed to change my mind: you arrive, people talk, then they don’t want you to leave. It’s always a question of time and adaptation. Initially, I’d thought about doing the same at Milan, staying to truly prove who I am.
“But after the injury and the months of being sidelined, that feeling grew even stronger. And when I realised that my relationship with the club had become frayed, I realised that staying wouldn’t have been the right choice.”
Do you miss Italy a little today?
“No, honestly, no. It’s a beautiful country, Milan is a top club, but I’ll never feel that nostalgia, because there’s no reason I’d miss it. I miss Spain, where I was very happy at Betis. And England too. Italy, no.”
What if you could send a message to Milan fans?
“I’d say I understand them very well: they pay for the ticket, they want the best for the team, and they expect every player to always perform at their best. I have nothing against that, I totally respect it.
“But sometimes it was really a bit exaggerated, because I was a Milan player, and supporting me would have helped Milan itself. When a player makes mistakes, if the fans stick around, they help him even before things go really badly.
“You can’t be 100% every day: there are games where everything works out, and others where it doesn’t. It’s human, and it’s something that has to be accepted. Instead, I’ve often felt criticised very excessively, even in moments when I’ve played really well in important matches…”
Which ones are you particularly proud of?
“Definitely the first derby and the one against Real Madrid. That’s just who I am: I get excited when I play against the big teams and have a great atmosphere.”
Will you watch the derby from Rio de Janeiro in a week?
“Absolutely, yes. I won’t be on the pitch, but I’ll still experience that wonderful feeling. It’s a crazy match in Milan, and the joy of winning it is unmatched for its importance. Last year, we brought back the Rossoneri supremacy… I hope Milan continues this trend: they’ll definitely have one more fan.”
Do you like Allegri’s style?
“A lot. Regardless, I wouldn’t have been a good fit tactically because it’s a different way of playing, with a three-man defense. I think this year the team is compact, strong, and can go far. They’ll have a great season, they deserve it.”
Have other Italian clubs pursued you since Milan?
“No. Also because I had already told my agent that I didn’t want to stay in Italy. I really didn’t want to continue there. I had opportunities in England, Turkey, Spain, Brazil. And I chose to come home anyway.”
Looking back, would you do it all again?
“Yes, 100%. I wouldn’t change a thing. I come from the favelas and have a very difficult life; there were times when my family didn’t even have enough to eat. I worked so hard to get to where I am. Life is made up of good times and difficult times, and it’s thanks to both that you grow.”
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