6 hours ago
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Adrien Rabiot and Max Allegri have finally reunited, following the former’s deadline-day arrival, and they are wasting no time in view of Milan-Bologna.
As described by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo at the bottom), the ‘twelfth’ man has arrived in town. Rabiot has chosen the number 12 shirt, almost to confirm his status as the extra man, the one Massimiliano Allegri strongly desired to complete his Milan side.
“When what happened in Marseille [the brawl with the teammate Rowe], Max called me immediately to discuss his project at Milan,” he stated. A lightning-fast deal was done in the final days and now Rabiot is in Milan, having joined straight from international duty with France.
Rabiot has clear priorities
For Milan and Allegri, Rabiot has forgone Champions League participation for a third consecutive season. An uncommon choice among players at his level. Just think of Manuel Akanji, who snubbed the Rossoneri to join Inter, precisely so he could play in the big competition.
“This year, it’s more important to play for Milan than in the Champions League elsewhere just for the sake of it. I had the opportunity to go to a club that already plays in Europe, but I chose to come here because, when we’re in the Champions League next year, we can achieve something important. Winning the competition might be difficult, but achieving something great is possible,” he stated.
Adrien believes in it, also because he’s convinced he can bring his leadership to the midfield.
“My favorite position is as a mezz’ala, but I can play anywhere in midfield or even further forward, like I did at Marseille with De Zerbi,” he stated. At Marseille, he managed to score nine goals in 29 appearances last season, a personal record for him in a single season…
“Yes, but now I want to score at least as many as I did last season,” the French midfielder makes clear.
Focus on the pitch
For tomorrow’s clash against Bologna, Rabiot is hoping to immediately secure a spot in Milan’s starting eleven. “I’m really eager to play, I’m ready, I’m fit, I’m here to help. If the coach puts me on the pitch straight away, I’ll do everything I can to help the team win,” he stated.
In yesterday afternoon’s training session, the Frenchman’s chances increased. Allegri found him in good form, confirming the impressions from Thursday’s tests. Furthermore, the coach is reportedly considering using Christian Pulisic off the bench, as he did in Lecce before the break.
Captain America isn’t in top form and returned from international duty with a sore hand. It’s nothing serious, but enough to make Allegri think about the possibility of moving Ruben Loftus-Cheek up to support Santiago Gimenez, freeing up a midfield spot for Rabiot.
Max and Adrien
Allegri and Rabiot spent three years together at Juventus. “I shared a lot with Allegri. I immediately got along well with him. He has ambition and a desire to win, the right mentality, and a passion for football. All things I have too. There was an immediate connection.
“When he left Juve, we continued to talk, we even met. For me, before being a great coach, he’s a great person, and I’m very happy to have him back here.” A loving message for the coach, and now Milan fans hope to see the duo shine again.
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