Adel Taarabt, former Milan player, was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport. The full interview hasn't been released yet, but the same newspaper's website has published some excerpts on their social media profiles. Here they are:
On his experience in Italy:
"When I come to Milan, people stop me and ask why they didn't keep me, they still love me. Yet I only spent six months there, not three years. I had a lot of fun at Milan, I liked the people and also Italian food, in Italy you eat too well. What did I eat at Milan? During my time in red and black, Berlusconi had a French chef who was always with us. When we went to play away games, this chef made incredible dishes."
Taarabt added:
"Honestly, all six months there were fantastic. It was a great challenge, I played with very strong players. I don't want to sound arrogant, but during that time I was by far the best player in that Milan, by far. Everyone knew it, and when I left, it was very sad because they didn't buy me outright. From one side it was a good moment, but on the other side it took me 18 months to digest that failed redemption: stepping onto the field, listening to Milan's songs, it was beautiful... I played against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, in my first appearance in the top European competition. I still remember the first game, initially Seedorf told me I would only play the last half-hour, but for me, there were no problems; then we flew to Naples for the away game and at midnight my phone rang, it was the manager telling me the coach wanted to see me: Kaka was sick and I would start the next day. Ten minutes into the game and I score, incredible!"
On his relationship with Inzaghi:
"After 2 months, Milan already wanted to buy me outright, but then shortly after, the situation with Seedorf was unclear. There was talk of Inzaghi, who could arrive in place of his former teammate. And in the end, I don't know, Inzaghi didn't want me because he preferred Cerci... what a decision! With all due respect to Inzaghi, I made it clear to him that I didn't accept it willingly. Then we saw how his career went, his brother did well and he didn't. That's football, you have to accept it, but for me, it was difficult because I was so happy at San Siro, with the fans."
