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Adrien Rabiot has admitted that he is happy to return to Serie A with AC Milan, while also praising his coach Massimiliano Allegri and various team-mates.
A bust-up with Jon Rowe meant he was shown the door by Marseille. Allegri wanted to reunite with Rabiot, the Milan management satisfied him late in the window, and they have not looked back.
Rabiot has started the every game since he arrived, showing how important he is to the coach. All of a sudden, it feels like the Rossoneri have balance in the midfield, which has been lacking for years.
The Frenchman only needed a few appearances for the Rossoneri to win the hearts of the fans. He immediately fit into Allegri’s system, confirming the strong understanding that has bound the two since their time at Juventus.
Rabiot spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published this morning, and his comments have been translated below.
You have swapped black and white for red and black…
“And after five years at Juventus, it’s no small thing to play for Milan. Those were important years in Turin for my career, years I hold dear. But I’m happy to be back in Italy and at Milan, another legendary club. There’s so much passion here too. And we have so much ambition.”
How much did Allegri’s call weigh?
“I’ve always had an excellent relationship with Allegri. We’re similar, and I really appreciate that on a human level. We called and wrote to each other often, even last season. There had already been contact with Milan last year, but nothing came of it.
“This summer, they came forward at the beginning of the summer and came back to the fore after the problem in Marseille. It was the right time for everyone.”
Did you also talk about Milan with your friend Maignan beforehand?
“Yes, and he spoke very highly of them. He was right.”
Is Allegri more determined than in your last year at Juventus?
“He’s always been very determined. He’s a winner. He’s always hungry for victory and has a lot of passion. I like that, because I’m like that too. I don’t think he’s looking for revenge, because he’s a coach who’s won a lot and is respected in the football world.
“I think he wants to show that he has the ability to lead a team to victory. And if Milan signed him, it’s because they know he can do great things.”
Was it a sacrifice for you to give up the Champions League?
“I’ve been thinking about it. Last season, I gave everything to bring Marseille back to the Champions League with the idea of playing there. I could have signed for various clubs that compete, but Milan is a legendary club with huge ambitions.
“Allegri is building a three-year plan to return to the top, with the priority of returning to the Champions League immediately and doing our best this year in the league, which for me means fighting for the Scudetto. We have the quality to do it.”
Is Max asking you to pass on to Milan the mentality and determination you had at Juventus?
“Allegri wanted me at Milan because he knows I can pass on my experience to the younger players, giving my all in training and in matches, always with the desire to win. And other key players like captain Maignan and Modric can do the same.”
Have you been surprised by the 40-year-old Modric?
“I’m not surprised by his commitment and professionalism, otherwise he wouldn’t be at this level at his age. I’m surprised because at forty, what he does isn’t something you can take for granted. He’s someone who continues to give everything in matches and in training. A true example for everyone.”
Will you be like Modric, playing until 40?
“He’s an inspiration, but then it depends on different variables: his physique, injuries. Modric certainly has great passion. And passion is the driving force behind everything. And then he’s happy to continue training hard and playing.”
What is Leao missing to finally establish himself?
“I know there’s a lot of talk about him. He’s a player with potential, but at 26, you’re no longer young. At his age, there’s no time to waste. Time flies. It would be a shame if he remained just a potentially great player.
“I hope he realixes he has the means to compete with the best. But maybe he doesn’t have the willpower or passion of a Modric. Leao needs to ask himself where he wants to go, or if he’s content with what he’s doing, or if his goal is to become what he can be.
“It would be a shame for us, because it would be a waste if he didn’t reach his full potential and focus 100% on his work. Allegri knows how to get the best out of players. I hope it has a positive impact on him too. Maybe this is the right opportunity for Leao.”
And what do you think of Nkunku?
“He’s an excellent player, effective in front of goal, technically strong, and capable of running deep and coming back. Allegri is happy to have him. He’s an additional offensive weapon that will be very important in the Scudetto race.
“He arrived a little out of shape, and he needs some time to regain it, but he’s already shown some interesting things in a department full of different players: Pulisic, Leao himself, and even Gimenez, who many criticize, but Santi is someone who gives 100% in training and in matches.
“He has the right mentality, he just needs to get going. Overall, Milan is a great team, maybe just a little short on defense in case of injuries.”
Who is fighting for the Scudetto?
“As usual, there are so many teams. Seeing Roma so high up is a bit of a surprise. Napoli remains the strongest. Inter is the Italian team that has done best in Europe so far, and unlike us, they have the advantage of playing together for a long time.
“It’s not a given that we’ll immediately create the right dynamic. Juve has quality, but less than Napoli or Inter; they still lack the chemistry needed to win the Scudetto. They’ll be fighting for a Champions League spot.
“We’ll definitely fight until the end, and I hope to win the Scudetto again, because we didn’t celebrate the one against Juventus properly due to Covid. This time, I’d like to celebrate with all the fans in the square.”
Meanwhile, the derby takes place at San Siro on Sunday 23 November…
“I like big matches. I can’t wait to play in it, especially because there will be valuable points up for grabs in the standings. It’s one of those different matches, with their own history and intensity, that every player wants to experience.”
Did Zlatan Ibrahimovic explain the world of Milan to you?
“We saw each other often at Milanello. He’s happy I’m at Milan because he knows what I can bring. But he asked me why I didn’t come last season. I’m happy to work with him again, after our years together at PSG.”
It’s also Deschamps’ last year as coach: do you have the same relationship with him as you do with Allegri?
“I’ve known the coach for a while, but we obviously see each other less often. We have a good relationship. And above all, there’s a group of players he counts on. He’s also a winner, and I think he wants to finish on a high note to leave a good memory. He instills this desire in us.”
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