Happy, mature, determined. With France as with Milan. This is the new Adrien Rabiot, back in Serie A after the Marseille spell. And immediately a protagonist with the new Rossoneri colors:
"After five years at Juventus," said the midfielder from France’s training camp to La Gazzetta dello Sport, "playing for Milan is no trivial matter. In Turin I had important years for my career, which I value a lot. But I am happy to be back in Italy and at Milan, another legendary club. There is a lot of passion here too. And we have big ambition."
How decisive was Massimiliano Allegri’s call?
"I’ve always had an excellent relationship with Allegri. We are similar, and I appreciate him a lot on a human level. We called and wrote to each other often even last season. There had already been contacts with Milan last year, but nothing happened. This summer they approached me early, then returned strongly after the problem in Marseille. It was the right time for everyone."
Did you speak about Milan with your friend Mike Maignan first?
"Yes, and he spoke very highly of the club. He was right."
Is Massimiliano Allegri more determined now than in your last year at Juventus?
"He has always been determined. He is a winner. He always has hunger for victory and great passion. I like this because I am the same. I don’t think he is seeking revenge, because he has already won a lot and is respected in football. I think he wants to show that he can still lead a team to victory. If Milan hired him, it’s because they know he can achieve big things."
Was it a sacrifice to give up the Champions League?
"I thought about it. Last season I gave everything to bring Marseille back to the Champions League with the idea of playing it. I could have signed for various clubs in it, but Milan is a legendary club with big ambitions. Allegri is building a three-year project to return to the top, with the priority of getting back to the Champions League right away and doing the maximum in the league this year, which for me means fighting for the Scudetto. We have the quality to do it."
Rabiot, does Alleri ask you to bring the mentality and grit you had at Juventus to Milan?
"Allegri wanted me at Milan because he knows I can pass on my experience to the younger players, and give everything in training as well as in matches, and always with the desire to win. Other key players can do the same, like captain Maignan and Modric."
Surprised by 40-year-old Luka Modric?
"I’m not surprised by his commitment and professionalism, otherwise he wouldn’t still be at this level at his age. I’m surprised because at 40 what he does is not guaranteed. He still gives everything in matches and training. A true example for everyone."
Rabiot like Luka Modric, playing until 40?
"He is an inspiration, but it depends on different factors, like fitness and injuries. Modric has great passion. Passion is the driving force for everything. He is still happy to train at the highest level and play."
What is Rafael Leao missing to impose himself once and for all?
"I know it’s talked about a lot. He has potential, but at 26 you are no longer young. At his age there is no more time to waste. Time passes quickly. It would be a shame if he stayed only a potentially great player. I hope he realizes he has the means to compete with the best. But maybe he doesn’t have the will or passion of someone like Modric. Leao must ask himself where he wants to go, if he is satisfied as he is, or if his goal is to become what he can be. For us it would be a waste if he didn’t show his full potential and didn’t focus 100 percent on the work. Allegri knows how to get the best out of players. I hope he also has a positive impact on him. Maybe this is the right chance for Leao."
And what do you think of Christopher Nkunku?
"He is an excellent player, dangerous in front of goal, strong technically, he runs into space and comes back. Allegri is happy to have him. He is an extra attacking weapon that will count a lot in the Scudetto race. He arrived a bit out of shape, he needs some time to recover, but he has already shown interesting things in a department full of different profiles: Pulisic, Leao, and also Gimenez, who many criticize, but Santi always gives 100 percent in training and matches. He has the right mentality, he only needs to get going. Overall Milan is a very good team, maybe only a bit short in defense in case of injuries."
Who is fighting for the Scudetto?
"As always, many teams. Seeing Roma this high is a bit of a surprise. Napoli remain the strongest. Inter are the Italian side that has done best in Europe so far, and unlike us, they have the advantage of playing together for a long time. It is not guaranteed to immediately create the right dynamic. Juve have quality, but less than Napoli or Inter, and they still lack the chemistry to win the Scudetto. They will fight for the Champions League spots. We will fight to the end and I hope to win the Scudetto again, because the one with Juventus we couldn’t celebrate properly because of Covid. This time I’d like to celebrate it with all the fans in the square."
Meanwhile on Sunday, November 23, at San Siro, there is the derby... Rabiot said:
"I like big games. I can’t wait to play it, also because there will be precious points at stake for the standings. It’s one of those matches that are different, for history and intensity, and every player wants to experience it."
Did Zlatan Ibrahimovic explain Milan’s world to you?
"We saw each other often at Milanello. He is happy that I am at Milan because he knows what I can bring. But he asked me why I didn’t come last season. I’m glad to work with him again after our years together at PSG."
Is France looking for revenge after losing the World Cup in Qatar?
"No revenge, that’s how it went. But we know we have the opportunity and the quality to do at least what we did in Qatar, so reach the final. We all have the goal of winning and with this group we can dream of playing another final. Adding another star to the shirt would be wonderful."
It is also the last season of Didier Deschamps as coach. Do you have the same relationship with him as with Massimiliano Allegri?
"I have known the coach for a long time, but obviously we see each other less. There is a good relationship. Above all there is a group of players he relies on. He is also a winner and I think he wants to finish on a high note and leave a good memory. He passes this will to us."
And Italy, do they risk staying home for the third time?
"It would be one less opponent, but a shame for the World Cup, football, and the passion of Italian fans. Even if it’s no longer the Italy of Del Piero and Buffon, it’s hard to understand what is happening with the Azzurri, because they don’t lack quality players. Maybe they lacked stability on the bench. Or it’s a mental issue. After missing two World Cups and starting poorly in qualifying, pressure and doubts make everything more complicated."
