Goalkeeper Antonio Mirante, 40 years of age, has spoken to Radio TV Serie A. Here are his words
"I wouldn't want to keep playing until I'm Buffon's age, but I feel good, so the coming weeks will be a time for reflection. As of today, I still want to continue playing; I feel good, and this season, I also had the chance to play some matches."
He added:
"The future depends a bit on each person's journey, on how you feel, where you play, and how you handled the last season, not to mention the importance of the motivation that drives you forward. Injuries certainly affect a player's career, and for me, considering going abroad now is almost impossible."
The situation at Milan, Mirante said:
"I joined Milan as a free agent after my experience in Rome, and it was a different Milan then, although it had already been reborn for a year, it had a different energy. Today, there is an evolved and ambitious Milan that, thanks to the coach, has improved many players: the ambitions have changed. Milan today is not the same team as five years ago. Expectations are high."
On coach Stefano Pioli:
"I had faced Pioli a few times as an opponent with the teams I played for, but I didn't know him personally. He brought energy and the right mentality to strive for victory, taught us the right way to play matches, and how to train the team. This has been crucial for many of us who have turned things around. This is true for many individuals but especially for the team. The year of the championship was the turning point for players, the club, and the fans. That year was decisive for everyone: for us and for him. That year, we were the team with the most growth; we won a championship in a season where we weren't the favorites."
On the season, Mirante said:
"The matches against Roma in the Europa League were disappointing compared to our expectations. It was a disappointment for everyone. Some matches impact the evaluation of a coach, but unfortunately, this often happens in our football. The matches won against Paris Saint Germain, the victory over Atletico in my first year in Madrid, are matches that demonstrate the work Pioli has done over the years."
On Paulo Fonseca who is the probable future coach:
"Fonseca is a coach who likes to play football, he's an offensive coach and has a good approach with the players. I had him for two years in Rome, with all the problems related to that period in that city, and in my opinion, despite everything, he did well. He is a prepared coach who sticks to his path; he is pragmatic and ambitious. Milan is a club that aims to win, the objectives are important, and so Fonseca (or whoever takes over) will have significant responsibilities inherited from Pioli. We are less informed than you, and it's not easy, but I think it was a thoughtful choice. Milan is a club that stays with you because of its charm, history, and working environment. Milanello and San Siro in recent years have been fundamental places to grow and improve."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"There are players like him who have a charisma and an aura that precedes them. He is a super intelligent guy who understands football. He approached us with great humility and responsibility, until recently he was playing with us. I have the feeling that he is very competent even though I do not know the managerial dynamics."
On who the best goalkeepers are, Mirante stated:
"Maignan and Donnarumma are very strong goalkeepers, different, but with great talent. Gigio has been a blessing for Italy and surely will continue to be. Mike is an incredible professional, a complete goalkeeper who is destined to improve even more in the coming years; his charisma is palpable just by looking at him. In the locker room, you know he's there, he transmits certainty, and this quality is indispensable for his role."
On Rafa Leao:
"Leao lacks a bit of hunger and consistency; he needs to not be satisfied when he plays incredible matches like against Paris Saint-Germain; I think this is the only thing he lacks, otherwise he is an incredible player."
