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Adrien Rabiot, today, has properly spoken to the media for the first time since signing as an AC Milan player, revealing the inside on his move.
A move for Rabiot was suggested several times in the first few weeks of Massimiliano Allegri’s start at Milan. However, nothing really happened until the end of the mercato, with a deal being completed on deadline day.
The midfielder has only just arrived in Milano too, due to his international duties keeping him away during the break. Despite this, though, he looks to be in a solid position to start this weekend after impressing at Milanello yesterday.
It remains to be seen, of course, but considering Allegri’s desire to bring him back under his wing, it would not be a surprise if he were instantly in the team. After all, he provides another dimension to the Rossoneri going forward.
Rabiot’s press conference
Rabiot spoke to the press, and his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
How much do you want to play?
“Of course, I’m ready, I’m trained. I’m here to help. If the coach puts me on the pitch, I’ll do everything I can to help the team win.”
You have a great feeling with Allegri…
“We shared a lot. I immediately got along well with him at Juve. He has the right mentality to win; he lives for football, like me. We have a great connection, even after he left Juve, we continued to talk and even saw each other. Before being a great coach, he’s a great person.”
What are your first sensations?
“I had a good feeling; it’s a group that wants to win and young people eager to learn. We have an experienced coach. I immediately felt at ease in training; the atmosphere is positive, I found everyone very helpful, everyone was kind, even to my family.”
Can you tell us how the deal came about? Why did you choose Milan?
“Everything was done in the final days of the transfer window. I spoke to Allegri when he arrived at Milan, but I had a contract with Marseille. Then, when what happened at Marseille happened, the coach called me back, explained the project to me, and in the end, everything went quickly. We managed to close this deal.”
Have you heard from other former AC Milan players?
“Maignan spoke highly of Milan, and Theo also told me I’d be happy there because it’s a big family. Allegri has already worked here and is very attached to the club. I don’t want to say they convinced me because it’s a big club, but it’s still important to have feedback from those who are here or have been here. Everyone spoke highly of Milan.
“I was sure I was making the right choice.”
What stage is Milan in your career?
“I won a lot at PSG, I played a lot at Juventus. I had a top year at Marseille. I want to continue to be hungry to win and to score goals and provide assists. I also want to help the younger players, there are many of them here.
“I’m here to help Milan get back to winning and achieve great things. Last season was a bad one for Milan, who always have to fight to win trophies. I bring my leadership and my character. Coming here was the right choice. We want to get back to playing in the Champions League next year.”
For the third year in a row, you’ve decided to join a club that doesn’t play in the Champions League. Why?
“Playing for AC Milan is more important than playing in the Champions League for other teams that can’t aim to win or advance. I preferred to come here with the coach’s project and have a strong team next year that can compete in the Champions League.
“Not just playing in it, maybe not winning it because it’s difficult, but having the ambition to achieve great things. I could have gone to other clubs that were playing in the Champions League, but Allegri’s long-term project convinced me to come here.”
Did Allegri tell you if you’ll be starting on Sunday?
“He hasn’t told me anything yet [he smiles]. Obviously, I hope so, but the coach decides. Allegri called me in the summer, but I was under contract with Marseille. Then he called me back when that thing happened in Marseille.
“We haven’t had time to talk properly yet, but I know him well, I know how he and the staff work, so I’m ready.”
What would you like to say to Marseille fans?
“I told them everything I think in a post on Instagram. I was only there for one season, but it was an intense year, everything was really beautiful.”
Sunday you meet Rowe…
“There’s nothing special with him. We texted each other after he went to Bologna and I went to Milan. We’ll see each other on Sunday at San Siro; it’ll be nice to see him. He’s a good guy.
“What happened in Marseille is something that could happen anywhere; it hasn’t changed our relationship. I’ll be happy to see him, and he will be too.”
From the outside, how do you judge this team?
“There are experienced and young players, there have been changes, it’s not easy to put together a group in a short time, but we’ll try. There’s great quality in this team, the right mentality. The pitch will tell the story, but I’m confident.
“We have players like Modric, who has great experience. In the national team, I spoke to Mbappé about Modric, and he told me he’s a great person. We all need to get to know each other better, but I found calm and a great desire to work and do well. The foundation is good.”
What do you think of Juventus? Can they compete with Milan for the Scudetto?
“I’m here to achieve great things and win the Scudetto. If someone comes to Milan, it’s to win. I’ll do everything I can to help the team reach the top. We’ll see where we are in February and March, but now we just have to focus on working hard and following the coach, who knows how to run a club like this.
“Juve has signed strong players up front; they’re a contender for the Scudetto.”
What do you think of San Siro?
“It’s a stadium I like, it brings me luck, I hope to score goals and do great things in the AC Milan shirt. It’s a beautiful stadium with extraordinary fans. I know the fans are a little angry at the moment, but we need them and their support in every game. Our fans are an important part of the team.”
What position do you prefer to play?
“I can play all the roles in the middle. I even played higher up with De Zerbi. I can do everything, but it depends on how the manager decides to play. In the 5-3-2, my favourite position is left midfielder, but I can also play in a two-man midfield or behind the striker.
“I haven’t spoken to the manager yet, but I’m willing to play anywhere.”
Have you set yourself a minimum number of goals to score?
“My last year at Juve, I scored 10-11 goals, just like last year at Marseille. I like scoring goals and providing assists. Last year, I scored ten goals without playing in cup competitions, and I’ll try to repeat that.
“The coach is pushing me to keep going and be a key player with goals and assists. I want to score at least ten goals like last year, and then, if I can, even better. In recent years, speaking with Allegri and De Zerbi, they’ve convinced me that I can be that player who’s good at getting into the box and scoring goals.”
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