Davide Calabria gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport on the day of Milan-Bologna, the same fixture where last May he faced his old club wearing the Bologna shirt after so many years at Milan. The Coppa Italia final? A twist of fate.
"For me it was a twist of fate, a mix of emotions. I felt I was going to win it and it turned out to be a great night for me and for Bologna. At the final whistle I dropped to my knees with so many thoughts in my head. First, I thought of my former teammates and I went to try to console them. Then I tried to enjoy the trophy, even if I couldn’t fully do so because of the love I have for Milan."
Calabria’s love for Milan
“Milan has always been my team. As a child I went to the stadium and dreamed of wearing that shirt. I managed to do it for several years and I won. I would have stayed at Milan forever. Even for free. I loved every moment of this journey and I’m extremely proud of it. Milan has been almost my whole life so far. It made me grow and I will always be grateful.”
On his idol:
"I have always admired Paolo Maldini. As a person and as a player. I think he was the strongest defender in history. The strongest teammates I’ve played with? As a full-back I say Theo, who has been and still is a player on another level compared to the others. Same goes for Gigio Donnarumma, who was destined from the youth system."
On the coaches he feels most attached to, Calabria said:
"Pippo Inzaghi gave me my debut, Mihajlovic wanted me in the squad instead of sending me on loan, Brocchi I respect for his football and life ideas, Gattuso was the one who really launched me, and then Pioli, with whom I shared many years of satisfaction."
Calabria continued:
"Do I follow Milan even from Greece? Of course, and sometimes I comment with my former teammates. I will always support them. To the fans I wish all the success possible. Milan fans are among the best in the world, if not the best, and they deserve many victories. Milan out of European competitions? It is unpleasant and it’s clear something didn’t work last year. Milan deserves to be in the Champions League."
His words on Massimiliano Allegri and hopes for the season
"As a kid I trained with him two or three times, I always admired him and I’m happy he’s back at Milan. He is competent and capable, with great intelligence and experience, and communicates in the best way. Milan needed a coach of his stature. I trust his work and I’m sure he will have a great season. I hope he wins the league."
