Alexis Saelemaekers, after two years on loan at Bologna and Roma, has returned to Milan and has become a key figure in Massimiliano Allegri’s team, who strongly wanted him to stay. Regarding his season, the Belgian winger told Nieuwsblad: "I can’t complain. After the loans to Bologna and Roma, where I developed a lot, it was crucial for me to become a regular starter at Milan, and I managed to do that. I feel the trust of both the coach and the club. When they offered me a contract extension, I didn’t hesitate. It’s even a five-year contract until 2031, which is not a given in modern football. I really feel at home at Milan."
During the interview, Saelemaekers also spoke warmly about his teammate at Milan and in the national team, Koni De Winter: "Koni is a fantastic player. It’s true that he had some difficult moments with the national team, but that happens to everyone from time to time. We can be sure he will give his all with the Red Devils as well. He’s really strong."
Saelemaekers is currently at the Belgian national team camp:
"The competition is enormous. Doing well at your club doesn’t automatically mean you will play for the national team; there are no guarantees. I can accept that, but still, it doesn’t take away from the fact that I have the healthy ambition to become a key player here too. I think I have the best chance as a right winger; that’s where the national team coach prefers to see me. This camp is ideal for gaining points ahead of the World Cup. My first major tournament, it’s incredible," as relayed via Milan News.
Saelemaekers concluded:
"I am proof that talent alone is not enough to make it. I have made sacrifices and have been rewarded. And I have no intention of settling. Take the World Cup in America, for example: why shouldn’t we have the right to dream? As long as we work hard, all together, who knows…"
