AC Milan's club captain, Davide Calabria, has spoken to the Spanish newspaper AS in a long interview. Here are his statements:
On playing for Milan:
"I have realized my dream, although I still have some trophies to win (laughs, ed.)".
On working with Pippo Inzaghi and the late Sinisa Mihajlovic:
"I worked with Pippo also in the youth teams, I have only good memories with him, we still have an excellent relationship. Sinisa wanted me in the team after the preseason: I will never forget that I owe him a lot".
On being the captain of Milan:
"Being the captain of one of the best clubs in the world, having grown up in a Milan family, is something too big. It's the dream of my life".
On Paolo Maldini:
"When I was little I played with his son and I didn't even have the courage to approach Paolo. Now we have a very sincere relationship: you know that if you need something he is there".
On Milan's project, Calabria said:
"We have experienced difficulties, but the ups and downs made me grow, in an entity like Milan responsibilities weigh more. Now the club is healthy, important players have arrived and, with them, the results. We will continue to grow".
On the Champions League semifinals:
"It's the most important competition, but we have to consider it as a starting point and consolidate ourselves, playing this competition every year. Every derby brings enormous pressure and playing it in Europe is a unique opportunity. It's something that goes beyond football, but what I love is that there is rivalry and, at the same time, huge respect between the two entities. I can't wait to experience it".
On the duel against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia:
"We prepared to stop him as a team, closing every space. He is a player who has shown to be a top player as soon as he arrived in a club that had a fantastic season, which deserved to win and we must congratulate him. In one-on-one he is formidable, there are few like him in Europe. It was beautiful and stimulating".
On Rafael Leao:
"Rafa has a natural change of pace that is impossible to stop. If he goes, you can only hope he misses. He has enormous potential".
On Brahim Diaz:
"His talent was evident as soon as he arrived, he knows how to connect the game between the lines and he helps us a lot. We have an excellent relationship, on and off the field".
Calabria on Theo Hernandez:
"Another good guy, with whom I exchange greetings before every game: we are not superstitious, but it has already become routine (laughs). He has a power of running almost unique: he is one of the best fullbacks in the world and I think he has not yet realized his potential".
On the difference in performance in Italy and Europe:
"The Champions League takes a lot of energy away from you and if you don't have everyone available the physical wear and tear is enormous. That said, we players also have a responsibility. We must play the league games as if they were Champions League matches".
On Inter:
"It is a team of quality and a great side. This year its reference point is Lautaro: he is having an incredible season and, in addition, he won the World Cup".
On Inter's Federico Dimarco:
"He has grown and I am not surprised. It will be a nice challenge: two Italians face to face, defending the colors of the teams we grew up with and rooted for since we were children".
On the Champions League final:
"Real or City? With a derby ahead, it's difficult for me to answer, although the dream of winning the Champions League is in our minds. It's the same for everyone: I play football because I want to win trophies. Inter, Madrid, and City players will think the same way, but we must all be focused on the semifinals."
