Ismael Bennacer granted a brilliant and interesting interview to Instant Foot and talked about learning Capoeira and how it helped him (read here) and about his move to Arsenal and how he learned everything there (read here). Here are his words about AC Milan:
"I listen to the sports project, as I've always done in my career. I see how much they want me and how much they truly desire me: I've never looked at a contract, never. When I signed, I was thinking about the project, not the money. That I thought would come. At that moment, my agent told me, 'It's the team that wants you the most, and the sports project is consistent with what you're looking for.' Okay, don't tell me anything else. I wanted to go to a big club, and that's what I managed to do. I arrived through a small door in Milan."
"At Empoli, we deserved much more, not relegation. We were a good team. The Africa Cup had brought some fruit; I had discussions with Milan. I remember well that after the semifinal, two days before the final, Massara called me speaking French. I told him, 'I'll win the cup and I'll come.' I wanted to improve, to grow, and the sports project was for me. Pressure in the final after Milan's call? When I step onto the field, I forget everything else, no matter what has happened."
Bennacer added:
"I signed with Milan before the holidays, when I returned. Maldini, Massara... Arriving at Milan, in a club like that, it's all top-notch. At first, you don't realise the greatness of that club. My older brother is a big Milan fan, but that's not why I chose these colours. I've always made my own decisions; I listen, but then I choose what to do. Milan is an incredible club, incredible. The organisation, the people, it's all too much: it's incredible, not to mention the city. I feel the history of this club, the weight of the jersey too. That's why I give everything on the field because when I love something, I do it this way. I love Milan."
Bennacer continued:
"In the first year, I got too many yellow cards. Leao? We arrived together that summer; we've always been together. We talk a lot. Rafa on the field is incredible, but off the field, he's a bit laid back. We've grown together in many ways. We always talk; when he needs something, I'm there. He's like a younger brother; I give him advice. I'm like this with everyone because the team comes first. He and I were there when the rebuilding of this team started. I consider myself a leader, but that doesn't mean I feel stronger than others. I have more responsibilities; you have to set an example when you wear this jersey."
Setting an example, helping newcomers:
"When you arrive, maybe you don't know, but then when you stay here, renew the contract, it's not written in it, but it's part of the contract: you have to respect the values and principles of this club. Today with the new ones, I try to make them comfortable, give them my phone number, tell them not to hesitate to call me if they have any problems. It's normal to be shy when you arrive in a new locker room; it happened to Saelemaekers too. Think about the team first, that's why you want everyone to be in a position to give their best. We know the club must return as high as possible in Europe."
The goal against Napoli in the Champions League:
"Frankly, if it can be described in one word, that's 'exciting.' An emotion. Imagine being on the field while you hear the whole stadium shouting your name, shouting 'Bennacer.' Honestly, I had a bad game, then I scored, and everyone told me, 'You played a fantastic game.' But it's not like that. I'm not like that; I prefer content over form. It was a new role for me; there were also personal circumstances in the days before the game that made me tired on the day of the match. But a goal is a goal; we won 1-0. It was a crazy match."
The 5 defeats against Inter in 2023, Bennacer said:
"We haven't actually suffered from this statistic. We prepared well for all the games. In the last match, I was injured and wasn't there, but I spoke with teammates and the coach before the game. Honestly, it's tough because you give everything. It's water under the bridge; I can't say more than that. In the past, Milan did nothing but beat Inter, but it's a moment like this."
Bennacer said:
"We played a lot against them, had real matches: maybe at a certain point, some players were more tired, maybe they're stronger in some aspects. For example, they always score early. These are things we definitely have to work on. Scudetto? It's great, Milan and Inter fight to the death and above all, we always meet, even in the Champions League like last season. It's truly the most complicated rivalry. I hate this a bit, but you can't do anything about it."
Bennacer on his move to Calhanoglu:
"I didn't know anything about this; I found out at the last minute because Eriksen had that problem. Hakan wanted to stay at Milan, but then I don't know what happened. Maybe they didn't reach an agreement. We're friends, sure, but on the field, there are no friends, even less in a derby. I respect him, but when I read about this transfer, I said, 'No.' I was on vacation; I saw and reviewed it, I said to myself, 'He can't have done it.' Personally, I could never do that; I respect this club, Milan, so much that I find it impossible. Inter can offer me whatever they want, but it won't happen. I love this club. It doesn't mean I'll stay here my whole career; I don't know what will happen in the future, but I'll definitely never go to Inter."
