Everything is ready at San Siro for the match between Milan and Lazio, valid for the 13th round of the championship. Rossoneri sporting director Igli Tare spoke in the pre-match coverage of the clash between Milan and the Biancocelesti to Sky Sport 24. Here are his full statements.
What emotions do you feel, having Lazio in your heart?
"I spent almost two decades at Lazio, beautiful years. I carry fantastic memories, we won and celebrated a lot. It will always remain a part of my heart: so many years lived well. I’m very emotional, but as soon as the match starts I will cheer for Milan."
Maignan’s week: what is the club’s stance on his renewal?
"Mike is doing well, exactly as we expected: he is having an excellent season with us. At the start of the season we made an agreement together, and we are moving forward without putting pressure on each other. There is calm, today we focus on the match and then we’ll see how things go."
How did the idea of signing Modric come about?
"We analyzed last season carefully. We tried to bring in players with strong personality, who could have a significant impact on the team. His impact has been huge, even for us. A wonderful discovery, but knowing him closely, as a man and professional, it’s no surprise. He celebrates like a child and prepares for every match obsessively. I hope he will still play with us. He has an option for another year, but we agreed to decide calmly together on his future."
Tare also spoke to DAZN:
What feelings does he have facing Lazio?
"It was a wonderful reunion with my former players and collaborators, especially the cooks and kit staff, I missed them. It was an emotional moment. Lazio is a very well-prepared team, with players who have experienced important matches, so they must be faced with maximum respect because they are a top team."
How is Maignan’s situation being handled?
"With Maignan we had a detailed discussion at the start of the year with the club and coach. We are happy he is having a great season, exactly as we expected. We are talking calmly, but right now we focus on this match, which will be crucial for the standings."
Nkunku is playing: what opportunity is this for him? Why hasn’t he opened his account yet?
"You have to understand how he arrived at Milan, without preparation. When he started recovering, he went to the national team and came back injured. When he returned, we know he isn’t at his full level yet, but we have great trust in him because he can make a difference, and step by step we have to give him confidence because he can be important for our team."
