Former legendary striker of AC Milan, and Ballon d'Or winner, Marco Van Basten, spoke exclusively to La Gazzetta dello Sport in view of the Rossoneri club's 125th anniversary.
Here's what he had to say:
Question, Van Basten, what does it mean to you to be included in the Rossoneri Hall of Fame?
“It’s an honor. Over time, Maldini, Tassotti, Donadoni, Rijkaard, and all my former teammates will be added.”
How strong is your bond with Milan?
“If you’ve played here in Milan, with the Milan shirt, it’s hard not to feel a connection to the city, the stadium, the fans, and the history of this great club. For me, the red and black colors, the public, and the club will always be something special. Even though I live in the Netherlands, when Milan plays, the first thing I check is the result.”
Of all the great victories with the Diavolo, which one do you remember most fondly?
“The 1988-89 European Cup final in Barcelona against Steaua was special, a match that gave us the first international triumph after years of waiting for the club. It was the fulfillment of Berlusconi’s dream, who from day one wanted to reach the top of the world with style. We made him happy.”
If you had to explain to young players the European DNA of your Milan, what would you say?
“It was the unity of a club led by two experienced leaders like Berlusconi and Galliani. Berlusconi had a vision and pursued it, choosing the right coaches and players. Over the years, we had a super team: with Tassotti, Baresi, Costacurta, Maldini, and Filippo Galli, we had the best defense in Europe. In midfield with Ancelotti, there were Donadoni, Rijkaard, Colombo, Evani, and Albertini; up front, I played with Gullit, Virdis, Massaro, etc. The mentality was to always win, at any cost. Even if we were behind with just a few minutes to go. The coach is important, but if you have a core of champions, everything becomes easier.”
Van Basten added:
“Donadoni is among the best, and when I come to Italy, it’s nice to meet my former teammates on the golf course and be together. I played with Gullit in the Netherlands, and he’s good. I’ve been told Shevchenko is also strong: he and Donadoni are around a 1 handicap.”
Do you ever think back to that cursed ankle injury that forced you to retire so early from football?
“It was hard to accept that I had to retire at 28. I saw Maldini, Costacurta, Baresi, Tassotti, and Costacurta playing almost until they were 40, and it was a great thing for them. I would have liked that too, but I would have settled for 7-8 more seasons. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”
What does Milan need to do to start winning like in your time? Van Basten said:
“Milan is a great club, with a fantastic stadium and amazing fans. Unfortunately, in recent years, Inter has been ‘in charge’ (6 consecutive derby wins before the September one, ed.) and for Milan fans, it’s been a blow to the heart. Tough times... I’m convinced Milan will return to winning. Maybe it could help to have more Italians. You have good players, but your teams use them little, and the National team suffers. In Spain, for example, they value talent more.”
Do you like the new football idea that Paulo Fonseca is trying to implement?
“He doesn’t have the top players that we had in my time, so it’s not easy to always get results. The coach has changed after a few years; Fonseca needs time to work and patience.”
You met Zlatan Ibrahimovic when you were at Ajax. Do you have any anecdotes to share? Van Basten said:
“I was the youth coach, and he was young but already in the first team. We crossed paths on the training field, and he asked me to show him what I could do with the ball, but with that ankle, I couldn’t run or kick anymore.”
Years later, you find him among the Milan managers. Does Ibra convince you in his new role?
“I didn’t think he would become an executive, but he’s lived in football for a long time and has a lot of experience. Clubs need people who have played, who know what it means to be a player. Zlatan has traveled the world, played in many clubs, always showed a winning mentality, and he will pass it on. He can be a great help in bringing Milan back to the top.”
Meanwhile, on the field, it’s your fellow countryman Tijjani Reijnders who is surprising. Did you expect him to become so decisive?
“His breakthrough was a bit unexpected for me because at AZ he was quite good, but... nothing extraordinary. He came to Milan at 25, already formed, and I didn’t think he could become this strong and make so much progress. On the field, he’s fun because he does what he thinks and transmits joy. Sometimes he makes mistakes, but he’s not afraid and often pulls off incredible plays.”
Is Tijjani Reijnders already among the best midfielders in the world?
“Yes, he’s among the best around.”
Morata, on the other hand, in his first year at Milan has had a few ups and downs...
“He’s had a couple of injuries, and for a striker, it’s not easy when you’re out and can’t find your goal-scoring touch. At Atletico, he did well and has experience: I’m sure he’ll give a big hand to the team in the second half of the season.”
Is Francesco Camarda the future of Milan?
“I know he’s very young, and I’ve seen some of his actions in the first team: Milan has a golden nugget in hand, and I hope he can help the club win.”
Does Rafael Leao need more consistency and a few goals to break into the world’s top players?
“He’s good, often dribbling past one or two opponents, and has moves you don’t see often. Leao is a player with great potential, and it’s up to him to show it fully. He can still grow a lot and do better.”
Did Milan’s feat at the Bernabeu in early November remind you of the Champions League semifinal in which you eliminated Real Madrid? Van Basten commented:
“It was a beautiful success, like the ones from the past. I was with Ancelotti the week after, and for him, it wasn’t a great match... Milan, however, achieved a great result and got back into the Champions League standings.”
The Champions League round of 16 is within reach...
“Two more wins are needed, and in Europe, there are no easy matches. I wish Milan avoids the playoffs and goes directly to the round of 16. Thinking about winning the Champions League is... a lot, but in the future, it can succeed again.”
Who’s your favorite for this season?
“Liverpool. I know (Arne) Slot, I’ve spoken to him several times, and he’s very good. He has a clear idea of football, and the results show that he immediately made an impact on the team and transmitted his vision.”
With Milan out of the race, who do you see in pole position for the Scudetto?
“This season, Serie A is fun because many clubs are close and fighting for the title. The standings show that 6-7 teams can win the Scudetto, and that’s great for fans, but also for Italian football, which will be more followed abroad.”
And if Atalanta were to emerge as the champion over the big clubs?
“I like watching them on TV: they play aggressively, they’re fun, and they fear no one. For years, Gasperini has implemented this football made of rhythm and pressure, and the results are proving him right: they’re first in the league and doing well in the Champions League," said Van Basten.
Atalanta in 2025 like Verona in 1985?
“It would be a historic achievement, but Fiorentina, Lazio, and Bologna are also close or even ahead of some big clubs. Anything can happen.”
Who are the best strikers in Europe right now?
“I was recently in Madrid, and Mbappé and Vinicius are really strong. Haaland is also very good.”
Viktor Gyokeres is the new talent emerging...
“He’s knocking hard... at the door, and he’s one to watch.”
Would Joshua Zirkzee have been better off going to Milan instead of United?
“He’s a good player, but he’s young and lacks experience. He had a good season at Bologna, but with all due respect, Bologna is not Milan, Inter, or United. He needs time.”
You recently celebrated your 60th birthday and now work as a TV commentator after years as a coach. Do you ever feel the pull of the field?
“No, because I no longer have the ability to make a sprint or run fast. The ankle is still there (smiles), and the years as a footballer are felt. It’s the same for Gullit and Rijkaard... I used to play a bit of golf or squash. Now, it’s better to watch the sport on TV than play it. The years go by..."
