Rossoneri player Ardon Jashari gave a long interview to Il Foglio in which he spoke about his first months at Milan, Allegri, and his goals. Here are his words.
On his personality:
"Many people who don’t know me think I’m arrogant, but it’s exactly the opposite. I’m a humble professional, very focused on giving my best on the pitch for the team, but I’m also a 23-year-old who likes to smile and enjoy being with others. In the dressing room there’s a great atmosphere with my teammates; training sessions are intense, but there’s no shortage of lighter moments, especially at lunch with Modrić and Pavlović. They sit next to me, you should get to know them…"
On the negotiations to join the Rossoneri, Jashari said:
“I remember that period very well. I had just finished the season with Bruges, we had won the Belgian Cup, and I was among the strongest players in the squad. The club absolutely didn’t want to sell me, their position towards me was clear. I spoke every day with my agent, knowing about Milan’s strong interest. I was on holiday in Ibiza with my girlfriend, relaxing, when my phone rang. The number was Italian. I answered immediately, it was Igli Tare."
On his feelings at that moment:
"I immediately understood that Milan would do everything to convince me, and that really excited me. At the same time, I had enormous respect for Bruges. I just wanted to find the best solution for both sides. Of course, how can you refuse a club as important as Milan?"
On what accelerated his move:
"The work of the whole management. About ten days after the director’s call, I also received one from Zlatan Ibrahimović. He spoke to me about the project. I was emotional on the phone, my voice was almost shaking, but inside I was motivated and ready to start a new challenge."
On Massimiliano Allegri:
"He’s a master to me, I try to learn as much as possible. He has great experience. He speaks to me often, telling me to get more involved, to play with intensity, and to take shots when we have the chance. He pushes me to improve even in training, also because in recent years my position on the pitch has changed a lot."
On his path, similar to Pirlo’s:
"It’s true, from attacking midfielder to deep-lying playmaker. Pirlo was my idol as a kid. I remember his plays, they were perfect. He and Redondo inspired me a lot; they played with an incredible calmness and clarity on the pitch. They knew how to dictate the tempo of the game at any moment."
On whether he has a pre-match routine:
"Not really. I’m Muslim; often on the way to the stadium I listen to the Quran, it helps me focus spiritually before playing. Once we arrive at San Siro, the warmth and support of our fans do the rest. And every time you wear the Rossoneri shirt, the adrenaline rises," said Jashari.
On whether number 30 was a coincidence:
"Absolutely not. When I was a child playing football, I never had a fixed role. I watched Messi, that was enough for me. He wore number 30, and I thought that if I ever became a footballer, I’d want that same number. To be honest, back then I didn’t know much, defender, midfielder, or striker, it was all the same. I just wanted the ball and to have fun. Years later, when I started as a professional in Switzerland, they told me I could choose my favourite number, but only above 20, so I proudly asked for 30. It was one of my first requests, even before signing the contract and going to the club offices. I sent a message asking for number 30, and they granted it.”
On his objectives with Milan, Jashari commented:
"I’m here to win, for myself, for the team, for the fans. I want to give my best every day, with enthusiasm and professionalism. I hope to wear this shirt for many years. But for now, we have to think match by match, our goal is to return to the Champions League among the most important teams in Europe. We know we have to work hard, but that doesn’t scare us."
