AC Milan's Algerian midfielder, Ismael Bennacer, has spoken to the microphones of The National about different topics including the Champions League journey with Milan:
"First, you play to win the Champions League, not playing just to be in the Champions League. Then, when you have the taste of the Champions League semi-final, you want to go higher, to do better. And that’s why we will try this year. Because as I said, we’re not just here to be here in the group and that’s it, or quarter-final and that’s it. No, we want to win it. But, as we saw, a lot of teams will have a chance to win it.”
Bennacer on the frustration of the long injury:
"That’s hard. When you have this type of injury, and at this moment as well, because that was one of the most important games of my life. But it’s OK, when you see positive things day by day, you work, you have some [programme] to come back, you see there’s some steps. I was not working for two months, and then after you are doing the bike, then running, then more. As I said, you have to see the positive things; I spent time more with my family, with myself as well. I’m not happy [to be injured], but it’s ok. Everything is going well, and I don’t feel anything on my knee. There’s been no reaction as well."
Bennacer wants to use the frustration of the injury as a motivation:
"When you’re playing for AC Milan, you want to win every year. And also everything, even though it’s hard. This year we have a very, very good team, very good players, new arrivals. All the time we are making a team. It will take time a little bit, but we will be ok."
