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In an interview, Alexis Saelemaekers has spoken about the feeling of returning ‘home’ at AC Milan, with the hopes of impressing this season.
With Saelemaekers, the case has always been slightly intriguing. Last summer, Paulo Fonseca wanted to keep the winger after a great season with Bologna. Instead, he went to Roma, where he played excellently in the second half of the season.
Now, after a risk of that happening again, the outcome will differ. Massimiliano Allegri, a manager who wants to keep the player after a great period, willl keep him in Milano it seems, with the aim of using him in his Milan squad.
Possessing significant versatility and threat across the pitch, the Belgian could be an Ace up the Italian’s sleeve. Maybe not even up his sleeve, we will need to see.
Rossoneri return
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, via MilanNews, the winger spoke about his move back to the Rossoneri this summer and his future in the shirt.
“I’m happy. Milan and the hope of returning here have always been there. I’ve remained attached to this club, its fans, and the atmosphere. This is my second home. People have noticed that I love this shirt, that after two years away I’ve improved, but I still have the desire to help Milan. If I had stayed here in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have grown.
“My dream is to win more trophies with Milan. That’s why I came home. Individually, I’d like to perform as well as last year, play as many games as I did and help the team win.”
The future…
“He’s [Allegri] a coach who’s won a lot and knows what it takes to win. Milan went through a rough patch last year, and we’re doing what the new coach asks of us to achieve great results. The goal? Returning to the Champions League, but we’re thinking one game at a time. Getting as many points as possible. Always keeping our feet on the ground.”
Versatility…
“In my career I’ve played in different positions: the only thing missing is being a central defender but I don’t have the physique. As a child I was even a goalkeeper! In the Anderlecht youth team they ask all the boys to be able to play in every position.
In Belgium I played right back, as happened once at Milan; at Bologna I was a left winger… I adapt and if I can help the team, I’m happy.”
Who has impressed you the most since returning?
“Ricci is very strong technically. I’m also curious to train with Luka Modric: as a child I dreamed of being like him. I think it’s great for Italian football to have two legends like him and De Bruyne.”
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