Alexis Saelemaekers is back and is training under Massimiliano Allegri's guidance. The player revealed his happiness to be back with the Rossoneri. Here are his statements to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Of course I am. At Bologna and Roma, I gave everything I had as a professional. But part of me always kept thinking about Milan and the hope of coming back. I’ve remained attached to this club, its fans, and the Rossoneri environment.”
In fact, you didn’t score against Milan—neither in the Rossoblù shirt nor in the Giallorosso.
(Laughs) “I couldn’t do it.”
Your numbers away from Milanello were impressive: 4 goals and 3 assists at Bologna, 7 goals and 7 assists at Roma, despite suffering a fractured ankle.
“I had 4 goals and 3 assists at Milan too (in 2022–23), but over the last two seasons I’ve grown a lot. I came to Milan at 19, and it was my first experience away from Belgium. Anderlecht is a historic club, but Milan is… Milan. It was a big leap, and at the beginning it was pretty tough adjusting, especially because I found myself in a locker room with Ibrahimović and Donnarumma. I couldn’t be at their level, but I’m competitive on the pitch, and I still gave it my all.”
Saelemaekers, you know that now at Milan, you’ll have to match the level you showed last year at Roma?
“I’ll try. This is my second home, and it’s great to be reunited with so many people who care about me and whom I care about.”
You were here during the 2021–22 Scudetto-winning season.
“Beautiful memories. I didn’t get a tattoo—since I only have one, the date of my first professional match—but I remember everything: our fans wanted that Scudetto so badly, and the celebrations were unforgettable.”
What was your first impression of Massimiliano Allegri?
“He’s a coach who’s won a lot and knows what it takes to win. Last year Milan went through a rough spell, and now we’re doing everything the new coach asks of us to get great results.”
Allegri sees you in multiple roles.
“No problem. I’ve played in many positions in my career—the only one I haven’t done is center-back, but I don’t have the build for it (laughs). Believe it or not, I even played goalkeeper as a kid! At Anderlecht’s academy, they require all players to learn how to play in every position, so I internalized those movements. In Belgium I played right-back, just like I did once at Milan; at Bologna I was a left winger... I adapt, and if I can help the team, I’m happy.”
This year you’ll face your countryman Kevin De Bruyne.
“He’s a great player. We even talked in the national team about the possibility of him coming to Serie A. I think it’s fantastic for Italian football to have legends like him and Modrić. I would’ve preferred not to face Kevin (laughs), but now we’ll do everything we can to beat him and Napoli, who are a great team. We want to compete and give our best every time.”
What’s the goal for this season?
“To return to the Champions League. But we’ll take it one game at a time, try to collect as many points as possible, and always keep our feet on the ground.”
What do you hope for on a personal level?
“To perform at the same level as last year, to play a lot of games, and to help the team win. Milan has to return to the top, be competitive in Serie A and in other competitions. We new players will give everything, and those who were here last year will do their best to move past some disappointments. We’re starting from scratch, with hunger and ambition.”
Which teammate has impressed you most? Saelemaekers said:
“Ricci is very strong technically. I’m also curious to train with Luka Modrić—I used to dream of being like him as a kid.”
Meanwhile, you’re already one of the most cheered players on the team.
“I like it… People saw that I love this jersey, that I’ve come back after two years away as a better player but with the same desire to help Milan. If I had stayed here, in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have grown.”
What’s your ultimate dream?
“To win more trophies with Milan. That’s why I came back home.”
