GdS: From ‘incredible’ Milan experience to being an opponent – Zhegrova’s journey

Sunday night’s game between Juventus and AC Milan will see Edon Zhegrova face a team with whom he has a connection.

La Gazzetta dello Sport have published some background on the winger. It was 2012, and a very young Zhegrova was wearing a Milan jersey, clutching one of those trophies you win as a child but remember forever.

In Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, a Milan Camp he attended thirteen years ago changed his life somewhat. It made him fall even deeper in love with Italian football, which he’d already been following every Sunday from home and which he found himself back in just over a decade later.

Now only memories of the Rossoneri remain, the present is all Juventus, but the big match at the Allianz Stadium may remind Zhegrova of that time with Milan. His desire to conquer a starting role with the Old Lady will further fire him up, after a long injury lay-off.

The art of patience

Edon knows all about waiting for his moment. Recalling that Milan Camp, he stated: “For over a week, two hundred young players were invited to take tests. I only learned about the Camp at the last minute.

“I really arrived on the edge, having to get dressed quickly while the other kids were already getting ready. It was quite funny because I was the last one to register, but in the end, I came in first among all the participants.

“Along with other players from this camp, I was invited by the club to visit San Siro. I have fond memories of a wonderful experience, I lived a dream. When you’re 12 years old, living in Kosovo and finding yourself at Milan, it’s incredible.

“My family was really happy for me; I can still see my mother with tears in her eyes. I was able to meet the club’s stars like Kaka and Pato and watch a match against Chievo.” Memories that last, and he can write new ones involving Milan tonight, after previous transfer links too.