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Alexis Saelemaekers is having a brilliant start to his second life with AC Milan, but he is not yet thinking about his future.
Saelemaekers has been one of the key players in Milan’s excellent start to the season. He has made the right wing-back spot in the 3-5-2 system his own with a string of exceptional performances, including against his former club Roma on Sunday night.
The Belgian – after two years on loan at Bologna and the Giallorossi – returned to Milanello this summer to stay, an outcome strongly desired by Massimiliano Allegri. Not surprisingly, the new coach is placing great faith in him, and it is being repaid. Next, a renewal could follow.
Alexis speaks to Mediaset
Saelemaekers was interviewed by SportMediaset about how his season has gone so far, how he feels at Milan and the similarities with the Scudetto-winning campaign he was a part of.
Can we talk about a Rossoneri rebirth?
“I think this year we’re seeing the true face of Milan again. Even though I wasn’t in the group, I saw from afar that last year was difficult. This year we’ve started off on a good foundation, and as we always say, with a beautifully united group and a family spirit, we’re slowly doing the things we did well. We’re very happy.”
Allegri wanted you: was there a call?
“When last season ended, we learned that Allegri was the new manager, and he called me and told me his intention was to keep me in this group. Seeing a coach like that, it was clear to me that I wanted to stay here with him: having the trust of a coach like Allegri is a great thing, and I immediately told him I was available.”
You arrived in January 2020, 19 years old. Are you more mature now?
“Since I came back here and in the two years I spent at other teams, I’ve felt like I’ve matured off the pitch too. I’ve changed a lot, even the way I do things in my personal life. All of these things have led to my growth.
“Since I returned to Milanello, I’ve felt like I had a different role on the pitch and in the locker room. Even though I’ve been away for two years, I’m one of the veterans in the dressing room, Mike Maignan and Gabbia are still here…
“I’ve taken on the role of a player who truly understands the history of Milan, what it means to wear the shirt: I try to pass this on to the new and young players. I’ve grown, and that’s also why you can see it more on the pitch.”
You were a key figure in the Scudetto-winning season. Are there any similarities with that year?
“I think one thing we have in common is that we take it game by game: we work every week, we reset after every game, whether it’s good or not so good. We start from a new foundation every week: this is something we have in common with the Scudetto year.
“It’s very important, resetting allows us not to get too excited or to sink into the ground: we stay here with the right mentality.”
Your contract expires in 2027, do you want to stay here for life?
“I think I can’t hide my love for Milan. Obviously, right now, all I have to do is give my all on the pitch. Then the club will decide if they want to keep me. As long as I wear this shirt, I’ll give my all in every match.”
Your relationship with the fans is a special one…
“It’s wonderful to have a chant at San Siro for me when I walk out and pass by the Curva: it’s a childhood dream. I really appreciate it, I thank the fans and I keep working hard.”
How many goals did Allegri ask you for?
“The coach asks me to do my job to the best of my ability, to help my teammates: he doesn’t put pressure on the stats. He knows that someone who gives their all will help others score goals and make room for others.
“There’s no pressure to score, whether it’s me or other players. We’re here to work hard, listen to what the coach asks of us for the weekend: the rest is always a bonus.”
Up next, a trip to Parma…
“It will be a very difficult match. We know Parma is never an easy team away from home. We’ll have to be mentally and physically ready, go there, and fight until the end.
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