Legendary Milan central midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, who left the Rossoneri ranks in 2012/13 and subsequently retired in 2013/14 with Fiorentina after just one season, has given his thoughts on the current situation of the Milan giants.
In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via PianetaMilan), he spoke on a plethora of topics, including Milan’s 2021 calendar year, the race for this season’s Scudetto, the potential demolition of San Siro, Kessie’s contract renewal stance and other things.
On this season’s nail-biting race for the Serie A title: “We must not get confused by a game or two that do not go too well. There is still a step to be taken between being competitive and winning. Inter last season filled it up, and now have given continuity.”
On Milan’s 2021 calendar year: “I would say the year of awareness. Despite a few moments of physiological difficulty, the group clung to those certainties. It is a team that has come out of problems by anchoring itself to its own certainties. A clear signal that this is a work built on solid foundations”.
On his personal opinion regarding the team and club in general: “I really liked the feeling of unity. A union between the coach, the club, the team and the fans. It was a constant that characterized 2021, the feeling that everything worked together. The less beautiful part obviously concerns injuries, but I know staff and doctors well and pointing the finger is not always the case.”
On the abandonment of San Siro: “I would define it as a necessary evil, which causes pain and sadness. But if the goal is the financial sustainability of the club, I’ll give it up crying.”
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s potential extension by one year: “His presence is a guarantee for everyone, I’ve never seen him so fiercely determined in wanting to score. As a manager I would find it hard not to welcome a personality like his again.”
On Milan’s most successful acquisition in recent times: “Alexis Saelemaekers in terms of cost-performance ratio. Something incredible.”
On Franck Kessie’s current renewal stance: “Over the years I have developed a deep respect for the life choices of others. I hope he can choose without any kind of conditioning. I can only say that Milan are not such a lower tier club than those who perhaps offer a higher salary. Being able to take home 8 instead of 6 may not be a priority if you are comfortable where you are. I’m just saying that he should not think of Milan as a second level team.”
However, when it comes to the topic of a contract extension, Ambrosini assessed the hypocrisy that comes into play.
He said: “Regarding this topic, however, I do not make a comment, I was the one who was waiting for the last day to renew.”
The bull-headed midfielder spent 17 seasons as a Rossoneri, from 1995/96 to 2012/13 – registering 489 caps and scoring 36 goals.
The full interview can be read here.