Rabiot explains why he likes working with Allegri: “A slightly different role”

Adrien Rabiot has spoken to the club’s official channels for the first time since signing his contract with AC Milan, explaining what makes his relationship with Max Allegri so special. 

Milan announced Rabiot on deadline day, i.e. on September 1st, but it wasn’t until Thursday that the midfielder arrived in the city. He immediately went to Milanello, where he underwent some athletic tests and also met Allegri in the gym.

Now, Rabiot is seemingly ready to make a contribution on the pitch and he made that clear in his interview with the club. It was published this morning and among other things, the midfielder explained why he enjoys working with Allegri tomorrow.

What is it like to join Milan?

“I’m very happy to be a player for AC Milan, such a historic and prestigious club. I’m grateful for this opportunity and happy to be back in Italy: I lived here for five years and had a great time.”

Your mother, Veronique, mentioned Milan as your first choice…

“I’m coming here to Milan, to a prestigious club with ambition. I can’t wait to wear this shirt, to do well, and I hope to win trophies: that would be wonderful.”

You are reuniting with Allegri. In what way has he been able to get the best out of you?

“With him, I played in a slightly different role. At Juve, we worked a lot on goals, assists, getting into the box, and being decisive. I needed to know what I was capable of and Allegri helped me a lot. I brought this with me to Marseille, where I had a very good season.

“I’m happy to be back with the coach and his staff. I got along very well with them and worked well. They’re great professionals, and so am I. I enjoy working with these people.”

What do you think you can bring to the Milan dressing room?

“My experience, my character on the pitch, both in training and in matches. I always train 100%, I do things well, with the right mentality. I’m always ready to help the younger players. I know Serie A well, I’m ready to help them with this too.”

Have you spoken to the French players?

“I know Mike well. We grew up in the PSG youth academy, including with Nkunku. We also know Youssouf (Fofana) well, who often plays for the national team. We have a good relationship. Mike told us about Milan, a big family. It’s important for us players to feel at home.”

What does playing in a stadium like San Siro give you?

“There are few stadiums like San Siro, with this atmosphere. Playing in these stadiums gives me something extra, the desire to do well, and above all, to have fun. It’s true that when I’ve come to San Siro, things have often gone well. I hope I can make the AC Milan fans happy.”

Why the number 12?

“Because I think it’s a good number. It doesn’t have any particular meaning for me. What matters is what you do on the pitch, and with that, you make this number important. It could also be the number of goals I need to score this season (laughs). If I get there, maybe next year I’ll take the 15th or 16th to score more goals.”

A message to the fans?

“I’m very proud to be here and to be a Milan player. See you at the stadium on Sunday. We need your support. It’s very important. Forza Milan.”

It remains to be seen if Rabiot will get the chance from start against Bologna tomorrow, but considering his relationship with Allegri, it wouldn’t be strange. He also knows the league well already, so there isn’t much of an acclimatisation period.