Adrien Rabiot, who joined Milan in the final hours of the transfer window, was interviewed by DAZN in the usual one-to-one format. Here are the statements from the French midfielder:
You arrived 24 hours before the end of the transfer window. Can you tell us how the deal went?
“I spoke with the coach while my mother spoke with the Director. Everything happened quickly to close it, it was the last day. I went to Paris for the national team, did the medical there, and signed there. After the national team, I came here immediately.”
The first person to call you was Massimiliano Allegri, right?
“The coach was calling me this summer even before he joined Milan. We have this relationship. When he arrived at Milan, he wanted to know about my situation.”
What made you choose Milan?
“It’s a huge club with an amazing history, one of the best in the world. Choosing Milan was not difficult. The coach also convinced me to come here.”
What did Allegri say to convince you? Rabiot replied:
“That there was an important project over two to four years: you need strong players to return to the Champions League, fight for the league, and achieve great things. It interested me immediately, so everything happened quickly. I didn’t have time to think. Playing for Milan, wearing this shirt, is important. I already know Italy and had a good experience before. It’s nice to come back here to play.”
Did you miss Italy?
“Yes. I spent five years in Italy, I liked living here, the people, and football has importance here. I missed all that.”
Who welcomed you first at Milanello yesterday?
“I saw all the staff, Alberto (Marangon). Then I saw the coach and the players. I know the staff who work with the coach well; they were all very happy. It was emotional.”
How was it to see Maignan again? Did he influence your arrival at Milan?
“He also called me as soon as he heard the transfer rumors and told me, ‘Come to Milan.’ For years he has been telling me to join Milan. When things got serious, he asked if he could help, if I needed any info. He’s a friend I’ve known for years. At PSG we didn’t play together because he left quickly, so playing together now is nice.”
Who’s happier, you or him?
"He’s happy to have me here and to see Nkunku again; he also came through PSG’s youth system. Seeing French players in the locker room is nice for him. I’m happy to be here too."
What does playing alongside Luka Modric mean to you?
“He’s a football legend. He’s achieved great things, won the Ballon d’Or. From what I’ve seen and heard, he’s a great person. On the field, he’s extraordinary. Playing with him will be great. I hope to achieve big things with him. Overall, we have a strong team, a mix of young and experienced players.”
Next match is against Bologna, but your mind goes to Juve-Milan. Have you imagined returning to the Stadium?
“It’s true I spent five years at Juventus, an important part of my career. I have good memories of Italy because of that. I did great things at Juve, but now I’m a Milan player. I won’t forget the past, it’s important, but now I focus on Milan and what I must do to help the team and club. It will be emotional to play against Juventus, who are part of my life and career.”
You were affected by Massimiliano Allegri’s departure and didn’t hide it. Did you make a kind of promise to work together again?
“We never talked about the future after Juventus, but we always stayed in touch. He goes to Monaco often, and we had the chance to meet. I’ve always had a great relationship with him; we understand each other and share the same mentality and ambition. We want to win and do things properly. I identify with his vision. His presence here was important for me coming, but first comes the club, which is huge. Both things influenced my arrival.”
Where can this group go, in your view?
“It’s a strong group. There’s a mix of young and experienced players, and plenty of talent. Where we can go? I don’t know yet. We need to know each other better and build locker room chemistry. There have been many player changes, so we need to rebuild that. But there’s quality and ambition. We need to play well, win, and find confidence. In February-March, we’ll see where we are and set real objectives. For now, we focus on the present and winning as many matches as possible.”
How did the fans make you feel? Rabiot commented:
“They welcomed me well. It wasn’t like Marseille, where there were many fans, but I had a good impression of the club staff. Everyone was very nice. You can feel there’s a family here, which is important for a player.”
Your first year at Juve, you won the Scudetto. Could this year be the same?
"I want to win it with Milan too. It’s true that my first year at Juve we won, but we couldn’t celebrate because of COVID. I would like to win it here at Milan and will do everything to achieve it."
