Ismael Bennacer, midfielder for Milan, gave an exclusive interview to Claudio Raimondi of SportMediaset.
You returned to the field after 6 long months of waiting...
"When I stepped onto the field, I forgot about those months. The atmosphere and the fans, when I felt them, they moved me and made me forget these tough months of work."
What did you think during these months? Bennacer said:
"It wasn't always easy; there were very, very difficult days, but it's part of this job. I worked a lot to come back, I did it very well, managing time well. I'm very proud because I learned a lot in these months."
Did you rely on religion?
"Always, every day, faith accompanies me. It's something that helps me see the positive things."
How are you feeling?
"I want to contribute my qualities to the team, giving everything I can give. I don't have the rhythm yet, I'm not yet at 100%, but it will come very soon."
The last time in Bergamo, you scored...
"A goal would help the team, so if I can do it, of course, I'll try; it would also make me happy. But I only think about helping the team: if it's with a goal, great, if it's recovering an important ball or making an assist, it'll be good all the same."
Milan for the Scudetto? Bennacer replied:
"We are very focused on the season. We are a bit behind, but the championship is long, so we are very focused on the upcoming matches. Then we'll see about the rest."
You're a versatile player... Is there another you in football?
"That's a good question... Every player has their qualities, I have mine. Someone might resemble me, but obviously, I try to play with my qualities. If they see that these help the team, then it's good."
You're a silent leader for Milan: Do you want to give everything to bring Milan up?
"Of course, we believe in the Scudetto. The emotion has passed, now it's about work. There's a long way to go, we have to aim game by game."
Champions League is difficult... Bennacer commented:
"We are Milan, it's not over yet. We still have some chance, so we'll do everything to try to qualify."
What could Zlatan Ibrahimovic give you?
"As a teammate, Ibra has brought something to the team. With him and the other teammates, we haven't talked about this. I don't know if he'll come. But Ibra remains Ibra: he would help everyone."
Who do you like among the new midfielders?
"Everyone is very good, everyone has their playing style. Everyone is very strong. We're working to create something even better."
You're very close to Adli...
"He's like that, he brings joy to the locker room, always makes people laugh. When he's not feeling well, he doesn't show it: that's good because he always thinks about the team."
Do you want to stay in Milan for life?
"Why not?! I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but Milan is a team that I hold dear in my heart."
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