19 hours ago
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Alessandro Florenzi has shed some light on what it was like to be a part of the team that won the Scudetto at AC Milan in 2021-22.
Milan had been building during the Covid period towards what many hoped to be a 19th league title, and sure enough it came under the guidance of Stefano Pioli. The Rossoneri pipped rivals Inter to the Scudetto on the final day by beating Sassuolo, sparking joyous scenes.
Florenzi had arrived at the club in the summer on an initial loan deal from Roma which became permanent, and he played an important part in the triumph with his experience and his versatility, given he played on both flanks and even in midfield.
The defender left on a free transfer last summer as his deal was not renewed. He was a guest on the podcast ‘The Bsmt’ where he discussed his entire career, including his time at Milan, as well as some of the players still in the squad. MilanPress transcribed what he had to say.
When did you realise you could go to Milan?
“I discovered there was a possibility when Massara called me back. The first time he called me the day before leaving for Valencia, but I had already given my word to the Spanish club. Then he called me back and asked if it was the right time, and I said yes.”
You suffered with a ew injuries…
“Before Milan I tore two cruciate ligaments, then with AC Milan I injured my left flexor tendon, and then last year I tore my cruciate ligament and meniscus.”
What did you find upon your arrival at Milan?
“It was Pioli’s Milan, Zlatan’s for sure, but also others like Giroud. Ibrahimovic had a huge impact on us. He’s someone who elevates you in every way.
“I think I won over Zlatan, who thrives on competition, when after a back-heel assist he gave me in training, he looked at me and I told him I got assists like that every day. He went crazy, but from there the challenge was born. I won the Scudetto with him, he raised everyone’s level.
“Every now and then he would speak in the dressing room, and when he did, it was harsh; he did it again last year as a manager. You can see and feel the effect of his interventions; you have to be good at absorbing them.
“The Scudetto year, there was a mix of young and experienced players… whenever Zlatan spoke, there was someone there to explain it to anyone who didn’t quite understand. The team is built with a mix of young and old players who fit together.”
You too had a key role…
“You realise you can give something more even when you’re injured by the way others start to look at you when you speak. Your word matters to others; when you understand this, you do everything you can to get the point across and make them understand what’s happening.
“When I see the person I’m speaking to transform, it fuels me, and from there, my confidence and energy grow. In the year of the Scudetto, I felt that something. Last year, I felt nothing.”
How did that era end?
“Eras are like a flame that’s going out, either you’re good at rekindling it, or it goes out completely.”
Who influenced the most?
“I would stop and talk to Leao, and I would also stop a lot with Theo Hernandez, and with Gabbia. Matteo is now a pillar of Milan, but he would ask permission even to go to the bathroom.
“I love him like a brother and I’m proud of what he’s doing and bringing to Milan because he’s inherited from the older generations.”
And Leao?
“I think he’s incredibly strong, but we always say he’s the one who needs to understand it. I hope he does, or has already done so. What I’ve seen him do, I’ve seen great players do it.”
English (US) ·