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Adrien Rabiot has made it clear that he is against the idea of playing a league game against Como out in Australia.
Massimiliano Allegri strongly pushed for the signing of the Frenchman, towards the end of the summer window and he immediately put the former Juventus player at the heart of the midfield. Rabiot has repaid this faith with top-notch performances in virtually every start so far.
Having signed from Marseille in late August, Rabiot arrived at Milanello only after the September international break. Despite limited training time with his new team-mates, Allegri decided to start him immediately and he has not looked back.
Rabiot was interviewed by the French newspaper Le Figaro while away with the French national team and he commented on various topics, with his words relayed by MilanNews.
You have stayed silent after your abrupt departure from Marseille…
“I wanted to focus solely on football, on my first weeks at this new club and in this new life; it was important. Generally, I’m not one to express myself much off the pitch, but at that moment it was really time to focus, to completely refocus my mind on football.”
Milan vs. Como will be played in Perth…
“I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan will be playing a Serie A match against Como… in Australia! It’s completely crazy. But these are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us.
“There’s a lot of talk about schedules and player health, but this all seems truly absurd. It’s crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always.”
How is life at Milan?
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true: the food is excellent. The first thing they told me when I arrived at the Milanello training center was that the food there is excellent. I have to admit: while France is still superior in gastronomy, Italy makes the best pasta in the world.
“From a football perspective, it’s a country of true connoisseurs. Italy lives for football, much more than France. You can feel the passion of the fans, who live for their team. In France, there are big clubs and huge fan groups, but here it’s another dimension: it’s a matter of life.”
You have played for top clubs like PSG, Juventus, Marseille, and now AC Milan…
“It’s no small feat to have played for these four great clubs. It’s a great calling card (smiles). When I look back at my career, it’s incredible to have been able to experience all this, hard to imagine when I was younger.
“I’m proud of it. I hope to achieve great things at Milan, to win titles, at a historic and legendary club. I want to leave my mark.”
Are you dreaming of the 2026 World Cup?
“Yes, of course. We have to qualify, but it’s a dream that can come true, especially seeing the team’s potential. I’ll be 31 in 2026, I feel very good physically and mentally, probably in the best shape of my career.
“But a World Cup only comes around every four years, and you can’t miss the opportunity, because you never know when the next train will pass. The goal is to win that star.”
And what about the 2030 World Cup?
“At 35, if my body holds up, you’ll still see me on the pitch. Look at Luka Modric, who’s with me at Milan and is playing at 40! Touch wood, but if my body doesn’t stop me, I still have the passion and love for football to keep me going. So, the 2030 World Cup… why not.”
Tell us more about Modric…
“He amazed me most of all. Seeing him train with such precision, professionalism, intensity, and commitment, at 40 years old, is impressive. Truly. He’s humble, dedicated, always 100%. When I see what he does ten years older than me, I’m speechless.”
English (US) ·