When Mike Maignan got injured, Ciprian Tatarusanu, Romanian goalkeeper of AC Milan, stepped up to fill the void. He soon earned the trust of the coach and fans thanks to some important saves he performed during the matches he played.
The former Lyon shotstopper said the following to Corriere dello Sport in an interview:
"I have saved many penalties in my career, but the one against Lautaro Martinez in the derby is the most beautiful one. I did not know that for 40 years a Milan goalkeeper had not saved a penalty shot in the derby, I am very happy, doing it against Inter adds something more. I studied Lautaro like the other Inter players, potential penalty takers. It was a nice parade."
He continued:
"We study penalty takers with the goalkeeper coach (Dida), we study the characteristics of those who can kick from eleven meters. Then at the end of training we stay on the pitch to train on penalties, sometimes almost for fun. The best is Franck Kessié. He is the one who kicks best, changes trajectory at the last moment and always observes the goalkeeper before the shot."
Tatarusanu on his return to Italy after 3 years with Fiorentina before:
"I am part of one of the strongest teams in the world. It's a good story, clearly. I'm sorry for Mike Maignan's injury, but I'm happy to play at these levels, I hope to be physically well and to do other performances at this level. Scudetto? We take every match that comes, we hope to always give our best."
On the group:
"There is a good atmosphere between players and staff, at Milanello we work very well every day, in harmony."
On Fiorentina:
"I have good memories, I spent three beautiful years in Florence, it's always a pleasure to come back. I hope to play a good match and take home the three points. Fiorentina are a tough opponent. They are playing very well this year. All Serie A games are difficult."
On Dusan Vlahovic:
"He is certainly the strongest of Fiorentina, but there are many other players. Vlahovic is doing well, he is young and a very good striker."
Who is the most dangerous striker ever in Italy?
"Fabio Quagliarella."
How do you stay fit at the age of 35?
"I don't do anything special, I train like the others, I follow the directions to work even on vacation. I am attentive to the most important things: food and rest. I pay attention to this, to a correct diet and to the sleep necessary to recover energy."
Tatarusanu on his passion for bakery:
"Making bread at home? Yes. I do it when I have time. I am fond of all kinds of bakery, croissants, other baked goods. Not just bread. How was this passion born? When the lockdown took place we were closed in the house and I had a lot of free time. I tried to fill the free time, I liked it and still do. I start kneading, I strictly use Lievito Madre (yeast). Coffee? I like coffee as you make it in Italy. I do it with an espresso machine, like those in bars."
on AC Milan's opponents for the Scudetto race?
"Napoli, who are in the lead with us, but there are other great teams that can fight for the Scudetto, including Inter."
Who is your best goalkeeper in Serie A?
"Samir Handanovic. He is a champion. In training, when I see the younger goalkeepers who train with us who need advice, I don't hold back, but most of the time they get it from the goalkeeper coach."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Many times I heard this question... He is a very strong player. It is right that he is the leader of this Milan team", answered Tatarusanu.
On being calm even on the pitch:
"This is what you see on TV, in the match I am very concentrated and I have to stay focused for the whole game."
AC Milan won 5-4 over Torino FC after penalty shoot-out. (Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
