Youssouf Fofana, the French midfielder of AC Milan, spoke about visiting children at the Buzzi Hospital:
"It was very intense for me, but it was a nice morning. I saw many smiling children: I brought them joy, yes, but they did the same for me. There were more Milan fans than supporters of other teams! It was really nice. I’m happy they chose me to represent Milan. It’s an even greater honor," he told Sky Sport Italia.
On the city of Milan:
"How do I live in the city? Well, although I’m someone who stays home a lot. I can be in Milan or in the team residence; in the end, it doesn’t change much. But I have to say something: I really like the people here, there is a lot of respect for the players. It makes me feel good and it makes my family feel good too."
On the differences from last year:
"We definitely have more time to prepare for matches: we play one per week, and we must be 100% focused on Milan, giving everything, match after match. The coach changed things, as did the new players. And the stands are full again. What has Allegri changed? The team’s mentality. After last year we were a bit down: we wanted to do more than we did. The coach arrived eager to do well, gave more confidence to the team, and immediately made us understand that results would come at the end," said Fofana.
On the new team:
"What’s special about Milan with the new coach? It’s hard to say, because I don’t feel something different from last year. It seems what we had last season is now stronger. For example: last year we were happy, now we’re happier. We have more desire to do things well."
On the scudetto, Fofana said:
"Like every player in this team, you have to think about the scudetto. Every year. It’s normal. We work for this, we go on the field to win every match, and we’ll take stock at the end. Before the season started, we thought about this. I don’t want to say the goal is only the scudetto, and if we don’t get it, the season is a failure. But if we win it, after last year, it will be a great joy for the group. Did Allegri tell us this? He doesn’t need to explain these ideas. It’s normal for us: we play for Milan, it’s normal to think about the scudetto."
On players injured with their national teams:
"I have confidence in the whole group: the players who will be there on Sunday will do well, even replacing the injured. Everyone knows what to do. Pulisic and Saelemaekers are great players who started the season wonderfully, but I trust all my teammates."
On the France national team exclusion:
"I want to return to the national team, certainly. But right now the team is doing well. I work to be ready."
On Rafael Leao, Fofana commented:
"What advice do I give him? He shouldn’t expect anything from me: I don’t have more experience than him. I only give him my trust: Rafa, when he’s right in his head, does things on the field that no one else can. I hope when he’s 100%, he will do well and help the team."
On his passion for Milan:
"If I feel a bit like a Milan fan? Very much!"
