3 weeks ago
9
M’Baye Niang never really hit the levels that many hoped for with AC Milan. However, he remains a fan of the club, especially with Massimiliano Allegri at the helm.
Niang’s time with Milan was certainly a bit strange. Arriving in the summer of 2012, the Senegalese forward was hopefully to be a breakout star for the Rossoneri. However, the cookie never crumbled that way.
Instead, he only played 67 games for the club over the course of six years, though this was due to several loan spells. From Montpellier to Watford, the winger never really impressed on loan, and when he did leave the Diavolo, it was not a shock.
A real tale of what could’ve been. Since his exit, he has bounced around several clubs, failing to really find a home. Now, he plays for Gençlerbirliği S.K. in the Turkish Super Lig, after spells with Empoli and Sampdoria in the past 18 months.
‘I achieved it’
Today, he spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his support for the club still and Allegri’s impact.
Niang, let’s start with his goal in the derby at the beginning of 2016…
“We were the underdogs because Inter had been top of the table until three weeks earlier, but we played a great game. Alex scored the first goal, then Icardi hit the post with a penalty, and their failure to equalise gave us the push to close out the match.
“Bacca made it 2-0 from my cross from the right, and then I made it 3-0 at my second attempt, after a save from Handanovic.”
For him, that goal was a dream come true…
“Everyone knew my dream was to score in the derby. I’ve had it ever since I arrived at Milanello as a kid, and I achieved it.”
And he thanked Mihajlovic, who had fielded him from the first minute in place of Balotelli.
“Sinisa was like a father to me. He always had faith in me: from the first day he arrived, he considered me a key part of the team. I owed him a lot, and that’s why I went to hug him after that goal. It was my way of thanking him.
“The news of his passing was terrible, and even now he remains an important person to me: from where he is, I know he’s watching over me, and I do everything I can to make him proud.”
He arrived at AC Milan in 2012, with Allegri on the bench and Balotelli with El Shaarawy in attack. The three of you, the famous Rossoneri crests…
“Mario is like my brother. We don’t talk every day, but I love him, and last year in Genoa we lived next door.”
Balotelli is still a free agent. Strange, isn’t it?
“It’s hard to explain why. Mario has a quality few others possess. I’m sure he’ll soon find a team that will trust him and repay it by scoring plenty of goals. Whoever signs Balotelli is getting a bargain.
“If you’re as good as he is, you can’t be that good for one season and then become bad. Anyone who says he’s finished is wrong: Mario just needs a coach who believes in him. He can do the rest himself.”
If Mihajlovic used him often, Allegri gave him his Serie A debut.
“I wasn’t even eighteen yet, and yet he brought me on in the second half against Bologna, showing great confidence in me.”
What did Max teach you?
“A bit of everything. I was already a professional in France, with Caen, but the Italian league and AC Milan were on a higher level.
“Allegri explained to me how to play at a high level, how to handle pressure, how to play important games every three days, because we were also in the Champions League. He was the ideal coach for a young player like me, and I thank him for what he taught me.”
Did Milan make the right choice by betting on him last summer?
“If you want to win, Allegri is the right coach, the one you need. Because he knows how to win league titles and cups: his career speaks for itself. Plus, he improves young players, knows how to manage champions and the locker room.
“Over the course of a season, he gives you a lot of points.”
Can Allegri bring the second-star Scudetto to Milan?
“I’m a Milan fan and I hope so with all my heart. The team is strong, and he can do the rest.”
So will it be a derby for the Scudetto?
“Inter are tough, they’ve been fighting for the title for a few years now and have a strong squad. It will be a tough battle to the finish, even against Napoli.”
Is Inter stronger than Milan?
“As a squad, in my opinion, no: both teams have important players and in the long run, the difference will be made by consistency of performance and a little more luck.”
Who is the favourite on Sunday?
“You can’t pick a favourite in a derby. I’m hoping for a Milan victory: against the big teams, the Rossoneri have had their best results so far, and I hope the trend continues.”
Niang celebrates his fifth goal of the season. | Image: acmilan.comWho will be the decisive men?
“Rafa Leao is getting back to form after his injury and has shown his worth in recent games. Allegri will also have Rabiot back: Adrien is someone who makes a difference when he’s at his best. I’ve known him since he was at PSG, and he’s a friend.
“Milan couldn’t have made a better signing in the final days of the transfer window because he scores, provides assists, brings experience, and makes his presence felt in midfield.
“His arrival improved the team and… weakened Marseille considerably.”
Modric is playing his first derby in Milan. What kind of atmosphere will he encounter in the early stages?
“Modric is a champion who played for Real Madrid and won everything. He doesn’t need my words because he’s used to these stages. San Siro is an exceptional stadium, and in the derby, hearing the roar of its 75,000 spectators is thrilling.”
Aside from the derby goal, what is Niang’s fondest memory at Milan?
“The 2016 Super Cup won in Doha against Juventus. It was my first trophy, and winning it that way, after penalties, was amazing, even though I didn’t play.”
English (US) ·