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Mattia Liberali has thanked AC Milan for what they have given him in his young career, including his debut in Serie A.
Liberali rather surprisingly left Milan on a permanent basis to join Catanzaro in the summer mercato, and while he had some difficulties initially, he has begun to shine in Serie B. With a goal, two assists and some eye-catching plays, the teenage playmaker is starting to stand out.
Indeed, the signing of Liberali – after another preseason campaign in which he got a look at the senior squad at Milan – was strongly supported by coach Alberto Aquilani and sporting director Ciro Polito.
While the Rossoneri reserve a resale clause that could be useful, his immediate future is in red and yellow for now. In a sliding doors moment, he should now get more minutes because new Milan signing Alphadjo Cisse – loaned back to Catanzaro – is expected to be out for the season.
Liberali gave an interview to Gianluca Di Marzio‘s website in which he shed light on the decision to change clubs last summer, also reflecting on his time with Milan and what they gave him.
Why Catanzaro?
“From the first moment they told me about Catanzaro, after talking to my family and my agent, I immediately decided to come here. It’s a place that has always fascinated me; I like cities that live for football.”
What were your initial thoughts on Serie B?
“I didn’t follow it much before. This year I’m experiencing it fully, watching the other games and following the league. At first glance, I immediately realised it is an intense league, very different from the Primavera, with players older than you. You have to adapt quickly.”
How did you prepare for it?
“I did a lot of individual work, a lot of gym work. Training every day, having a precise routine during the week, is essential. Focusing on every aspect is what helped me the most.
“This is still true now that I’m playing, you have to continue to take care of everything, even off the pitch: home, diet, personal management.”
After Christmas came more minutes…
“I felt ready. I knew the work I’d done before would come in handy.”
Your first professional goal then came…
“It was a unique emotion. I had already scored against that goal with the national team, but without the fans. With Reggiana, celebrating with the fans was something that stays with you.”
Did you immediately feel pat of the family?
“I felt great from day one. The fans live for football, I knew that when I came with the national team. Every day you meet people who compliment you and ask how you’re doing. It’s a place that engages you and makes you feel part of something.”
Did your time at Milan set you up?
“I went through the entire youth system there, and I have no regrets about how it ended. I take so many experiences with me, from friendships to tournaments. AC Milan gave me so much, both as a footballer and as a person.”
Among his most vivid memories must be your Serie A debut…
“Coach Fonseca helped me a lot. Among the players, I remember Florenzi with particular fondness: he was very close to me that day, telling me to stay calm and enjoy myself, because after all, it was a football match.”
You seem to be a versatile player…
“The position I like best is the attacking midfielder. Playing behind the striker, putting the ball through, providing assists. But obviously it depends on what the coach asks, I always try to give my best.”
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