The Rossoneri midfielder: “I joined Milan at the right time; Max had told me something might happen…”

He came to Milan to win and is convinced he can do it. Adrien Rabiot isn’t talking about the Scudetto and, staying true to Massimiliano Allegri’s line, is putting off the discussion until March, when the standings will be clearer, but after lifting trophies at PSG and Juventus, he’s convinced he can do the same in a Rossoneri jersey.

Why does Rabiot have this “certainty”?

“Because all the ingredients are here to make it happen: a club like Milan, a great group in the locker room, and a top-notch coaching staff. Now we have to work week after week, give it our all, and make sacrifices. To win, you always have to give that extra something, have the mindset that the coach instills in us.”

Is Allegri an asset for Milan?

“He’s a winner, and I like his personality, his coaching style, his passion for soccer, and his ambition. He always gives his all, and I see myself in his way of thinking. Off the field, he’s always very positive, cracks jokes, and puts us at ease.”

You’ve called him your “soccer dad.”

“In 2019, I chose Juventus because of him. I had met him months before the end of the season and liked him right away. When I arrived in Turin, however, he was no longer there (he had been fired and replaced by Sarri, ed.). When he returned in 2021, we built a great relationship—both on and off the field.”

That’s why, in August, when Milan came calling, he had no doubts…

“Milan had also approached me last year, when I was a free agent, and we’d talked. Would the team have finished higher than eighth place with me? I don’t know, but given what we’re doing now, I’d say I arrived at Milanello at the right time. The Rossoneri wanted me back in July, when I was at Marseille, but it was hard for me to leave. After that incident happened (the locker room incident with Rowe, ed.), other Italian clubs contacted me, but I knew what I wanted. Allegri had told me, ‘Let’s see what happens…’ and something really did happen. I don’t know how he does it, but he even predicts… the future (laughs, ed.).”

Max calls you “Cavallo Pazzo,” your assistant Landucci calls you “Monsieur,” and in France and Turin you were “Il Duca.” Which nickname is your favorite?

“In Paris I was ‘Le Duc’ and in Turin I became ‘Il Duca.’ I like ‘Cavallo Pazzo’ and it represents me: when I’m on the field, I take off… For Landucci, I’ve been ‘Monsieur’ since my Juve days: it sounds good.“

Allegri says you’ve improved compared to your Juventus years. Do you agree?

”I feel more like a leader and more mature, but I haven’t ‘arrived’: as long as I’m playing, I try to keep growing, every season. Last season, for example, was important for me, and I think I made further progress. The same goes for these past few months at Milan: I try to pay attention to the details, I carefully study videos of our opponents and my own performances. And when I see in the footage that I’m doing something right that I maybe wasn’t doing before… I like that.”

You haven’t scored yet. Is he ready to break his scoring drought on Saturday against Lazio?

“I hope so. I’d like to score as soon as possible, both at San Siro and on the road. I like scoring goals or providing assists, but that’s not my main role: I have to help the team with my running, tackling, advice, and experience. If we keep winning and I don’t score, that’s fine too.”

In six matches with you on the field, the Rossoneri have secured five wins and one draw, conceding just one goal. How do you explain those numbers?

“Maybe my teammates have more confidence, and mentally I give them a sense of security. I try to talk a lot, especially during the toughest moments of the game, to keep everyone focused. I always give my all, and the others can feel that.”

So with Rabiot on the field…

(smiles) “Everything is easier…”

When you were injured in the calf, did Allegri push you to return sooner?

“He asked me when I was coming back three or four times a day, but in reality he only wanted me to play when I was ready, because the injury was serious. Having a coach who talks to you often, even when you’re not available, helps you stay focused on the goal. Even in this, Allegri is top-notch.“

How did the derby make you feel?

”Happy, because it’s a special match for Milan and the Milan fans. It was great to win the first derby at San Siro, and I’m proud of how we played. These three points give us even more confidence.”

Is it too early to talk about the Scudetto?

“Yes. Thinking about the Scudetto is pointless: we’re trying to win every game and achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves (qualifying for the Champions League, ed.). The more weeks go by, the more we see that the team has the right quality and mentality. If we stay injury-free, we hope to be in a position in February or March to make a run at it.”

And if Maignan keeps saving like this…

“He’s been exceptional.”

Do you hope he’ll renew his contract and stay with the Rossoneri?

“Yes, of course I hope so, just like everyone at Milan. Maignan is an extraordinary goalkeeper, and there aren’t many in the world as strong as him. He’s a key player for us, and besides, Mike loves the Rossoneri jersey. I’m not getting involved in the negotiations between him and the club’s management, but I hope he continues to grow at this club, with a coach like Allegri and within this group.“

Nkunku, on the other hand, isn’t at his best yet.

”He’s a talent and has already proven it in the past. I know him because we grew up together—him, Mike (Maignan, ed.), and me. He arrived from Chelsea out of shape and has had to adapt to a tough league like Serie A, but now he’s physically fit and motivated. I’m sure that as soon as he breaks through…”

Leao, on the other hand, is improving rapidly.

“He works really hard in training, and today (yesterday, ed.), for example, he made a few sliding tackles in defense to win the ball back: it’s great to see a talent like him sacrificing himself for the team. Compared to when I was at Juve, he’s improved a lot.”

Even you, having played with so many champions, are impressed by Modric?

“He’s a down-to-earth person who loves soccer like a child. I’ve felt very comfortable playing alongside him in midfield from day one because he has quality and vision, but he also makes a huge contribution when it comes to winning the ball back, running hard and making decisive tackles when needed. He’s an extraordinary player who amazes me with the passion he brings to the field every day, even at 40. I admire him greatly: when I’m his age, I hope I still have that passion.”

What memories do you have of De Zerbi?

“We did well last year. De Zerbi is crazy about soccer, and when he left the training center, he’d go home to watch any match. The next day, maybe while talking about tactics, he’d ask us: ‘Who watched the game yesterday? Did you notice that…’ It’s incredible.“

Speaking of your former coaches, you’ll face Sarri again on Saturday against Lazio.

”It’ll be nice to see him again. We had a unique year at Juventus: at first I didn’t play much, but after COVID I was always a starter and we won the Scudetto. Sarri is a great coach.”

The Italian Super Cup is scheduled in less than a month, then the World Cup at the end of the season: is there still room in your trophy cabinet?

“An important year lies ahead, one in which I can win with both Milan and France. I hope to succeed and play all the way to the World Cup final. Against Italy? The playoffs are tough, but I hope they qualify because they have to be at the World Cup.”