Alexis Saelemaekers has been one of the key players in Milan’s strong start to the season. After two years on loan at Bologna and Roma, the Belgian returned to Milanello this year to stay, strongly wanted by Massimiliano Allegri, who has shown great trust in him by starting him regularly on the right flank. The Rossoneri number 56 spoke exclusively to 'Sport Mediaset' about his return and the first part of the season. His statements below.
Is this a Rossoneri rebirth?
“I think this year we’re seeing the real face of Milan again. Even if I wasn’t in the group, I saw from afar that last season was difficult. This year we’ve started again on solid ground, and as we always say, with a united group and a family spirit we’re slowly doing things the right way. We’re very happy.”
Allegri wanted you: was there a call?
“When last season ended, we found out Allegri was the new coach. He called me and said his intention was to keep me in the group. Seeing a coach like that made the decision clear for me, I wanted to stay with him. Having the trust of a coach like Allegri is something special, and I immediately told him I was ready.”
Saelemaekers, you arrived in January 2020, at 19. Are you more mature now?
“Since coming back here, and through the two years at other clubs, I’ve felt I’ve matured, even off the pitch. I’ve changed a lot in my personal life too. All that has helped me grow. Since I returned to Milanello, I’ve felt I have a different role on the pitch and in the dressing room. Even if I was away for two years, I’m now one of the older players here. Mike Maignan and Gabbia are still around. I’ve taken on the role of someone who understands Milan’s history, what it means to wear this shirt. I try to pass that on to the new and young players. There’s been growth, and you can see it on the pitch.”
You were part of the Scudetto-winning team. Do you see any similarities with that year?
“One thing we have in common is taking it one game at a time. We work every week, we reset after every match whether it’s good or less good. We start fresh each week. That’s something similar to the Scudetto year. It’s important, because resetting helps us not get carried away or sink too low. We stay balanced, with the right mindset.”
Your contract runs until 2027. Do you want to stay for life?
“I can’t hide my love for Milan. Obviously, what I have to do now is give my best on the pitch. Then it’s up to the club to decide if they want to keep me. As long as I wear this shirt, I’ll give everything in every match.”
Your relationship with the fans... Saelemaekers said:
“It’s special to have a chant for me at San Siro when I walk past the Curva. It’s a childhood dream. I appreciate it a lot. I thank the fans and keep working hard.”
How many goals has Allegri asked of you?
“The coach asks me to give my best and help my teammates. He doesn’t put pressure on statistics. He knows that if you give everything, you help others score and create space. There’s no pressure about scoring, whether it’s me or someone else. We’re here to work hard and follow what the coach asks for the weekend. The rest is a bonus.”
Next up, Parma...
“It will be a tough match. We know Parma are never an easy team away from home. We’ll need to be ready mentally and physically, go there and fight until the end.”
