Simon Kjaer has recently reached 100 games played with AC Milan. He has spoken with Simonkjaergifs.com in an exclusive interview about it. Here it is:
Congratulations! How does it feel to have reached this new milestone? What does it mean to you?
"To be honest, it makes me feel very proud. I know, that this is almost a cliché to say, but AC Milan was the club of my dreams, when I first arrived in Italy - in Palermo - as a very young player. This is a true story, and I have told it before: When I was in Palermo, I said to my agent: “One day you must get me to AC Milan!” Actually I have been close to moving to Milan a few times before in my career, but finally it happened. Now it is the club, where I have played the highest number of games, and that feels good. Only for Denmark I have played more games."
Is there a specific match that you remember as exciting, emotional - Your favourite one for some reason? Kjaer replied:
"That is a difficult question, because when you play for a top club, then for me - with my mindset - every game is something special. If you really force me to answer, then perhaps the two quarterfinals last season in the Champions League against Napoli, who were having an amazing season in Serie A at the same time. When we beat them and qualified for the last four in Champions League, then we were showing to the world, the we are back, where a great club like AC Milan belong - among the best. When I arrived, the position was below the middle of the table, and I only had one goal: I wanted with every fiber in my body to help the club back to the top of Serie A - and to the top of Europe. So it was emotional to be there - just like the Scudetto was emotional.”
Another big achievement is coming, the most presences with the national team. Which is the achievement you're more proud of? Kjaer said:
"That’s two big things for me - difficult to compare. But again - if you push me, then I would have to say, that of course it is a bigger achievement to get the record for most matches ever for a Danish player. It has taken me 14 years to reach the record with Denmark, so that one is something really special. I have played more than half of all these internationals as captain, and that is also something, that makes me proud. I like to take responsibility, and for me the team is the most important thing in football. Of course I am also happy for the 100 games in red and black, but I must admit - with a big smile, that Maldini's record with more than 900 is far away..."
We know you'd like to stay in Milan forever, if you can. But if not, do you ever see yourself returning to the Danish football league? Kjaer answered:
"You are absolutely right: I only think of staying with AC Milan. And I must admit, that I have been living abroad for so many years and playing more than 600 games in international football, that it is difficult for me to see myself back playing in a Danish club. But a very true cliché is, that “in football anything can happen”."
You have all the qualities to become a great coach in the future. Do you ever see yourself becoming a coach? Kjaer said:
"At the moment I would say 'no'. But then again, right now I only focus on playing, and also… I love football, so who knows what will happen? I would have to keep a door open here: Never say never in football."
This summer AC Milan signed many new players. Who do you think will reach 100 appearances, like you?
"I simply can’t pick one of them. I believe, that the club have found a bunch of very good players this summer, and they will help the team develop this season. I hope, that all of them will be successful in red and black and help this great club to achieve big things in the future."
