Former AC Milan legendary attacking midfielder, and also ex director at the club who was sacked by Elliott, Zvonimir Boban spoke to the microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport and had the following to say about the Rossoneri:
"If I'm surprised by the Scudetto? Yes and no. No, because the rose squad stronger than people thought. Yes, because Inter were still superior and had a huge advantage. Do I feel it a little bit mine? It is not for me to say, but as a Milanista totally! I phoned (Paolo) Maldini and Massara, who then passed Pioli to me on the bus returning from Sassuolo."
On leaving AC Milan after disagreeing with Elliott over the signing of Ralf Rangnick:
"If I'd do it again? Absolutely yes, a matter of principle and dignity. I don't paint myself as a saint, I'm not, but it had to be done. I'm sorry for what happened but I'm proud of it.Paolo worked very well and all the merits must be recognized, he is fundamental. Stefano was great in creating a crazy team spirit, he never gave up an inch and deserves great compliments. Sometimes we don't see it the same way, but this is the beauty of football."
"If Maldini struggled to get a contract renewal? I find it very strange, it was a disappointing fact. Isn't the change in AC Milan very clear? We talk a lot and little is known, we'll see when it happens. The Scudetto was even more beautiful than that of Perugia in 1999, but the real challenge now is to repeat it."
Boban on Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"Ibrahimovic is not doing well to play again, but I understand if he will continue because I know how he thinks. All of us Milan fans, me in particular, will be grateful to him forever. Everything changed with him, he changed everything. Ibra is unique."
On Rafael Leao, Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer:
"When you play for Milan, the consecration is timeless, it must happen in every match, every year. The two of them were extraordinary last year, they have enormous quality and talent and have been decisive in the most important matches. This year, I believe and hope will be the year of Bennacer, an extraordinary person and player, unfairly underestimated."
Boban on Charles De Ketelaere:
"De Ketelaere has class, personality and sees it all. I have doubts about speed... He certainly deserves to be at Milan. He is a talent. If he looks like Albertini? Let's hope."
On the Super League breakaway project:
"It was an absurd plan and died in 2 days in April 2021. Indeed, we can say never born. Any football project, where healthy competition and sporting values are not in the first place, is destined to end badly. Football belongs to all those who love and follow it. The Super League was an awkward attempt to steal it from all of us and it shamefully failed as it deserves. We are talking too much about it: it will never exist."
