Brahim Díaz: “We will fight until the end for the Scudetto, Ibrahimović is like an older brother to me, returning to Real? Right now I am focused on Milan”

Brahim Díaz gave an interview to Spanish newspaper AS, claiming ‘I am very comfortable behind the striker’.

With the exit of Hakan Çalhanoğlu on a free transfer, Brahim was given the #10 jersey and the role of the trequartista in the starting XI of Stefano Pioli.

The 22-year-old has been in great form at the start of the season, winning Milan a lot of points already.

Ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Atlético Madrid, Brahim sat down for an interview with Mirko Calemme’s AS and you can read the entire thing here:

You have become a leader of Milan…
“I like having leadership and being the protagonist, yes. I feel that my personality has grown. I’m more adapted, I know my teammates better and it’s easier to work this way.”

The ‘tifosi’ have also realized that, they have dedicated you the chance that was Kaká’s…
“I love it. He is a legend, a player that every young player looks up to, he has been extraordinary. It’s an honor, but I also thank the fans for their treatment, their affection from Day One. I try to repay them by doing well on the pitch.”

Serie A is very evenly-matched: can you aim for the Scudetto?
“Yes, it’s going to be an event fight, with many teams involved. I think we are doing very well, we are going game by game, but we have a squad with talent, sacrifice and an atmosphere that perfectly mixes youth and experience. We’ll fight until the end.”

In seven games, you have already given one assist and scored four goals. You are unleashed…
“This year I’m a bit more of a goal-scorer, yes, and I want to help the team by being close to the box. The goals are coming, but I care much more about getting results.”

What is your favorite goal from those you scored for Milan?
“Well, after 7 years without playing in the Champions League for the club, scoring the 1-2 at Anfield… I’ll never forget it. But the one I scored against Juventus last season – I also liked it a lot.”

Pioli is using you behind the striker. Is it your favorite role?
“I adapt to everything, but it’s true that I’m very comfortable behind the striker. I like the use of space, playing between the lines and receiving a lot of balls there.”

The coach has enormous confidence in you, and he wanted to give you the legendary #10 Rossoneri shirt…
“Everyone knows how many talented players have worn that jersey, for me it’s a privilege. I hope I can live up to it, I’m trying with all my might.”

Maldini seems to have a special affection for you…
“We have a great relationship, he trusts me a lot, he appreciates my talent and I’m very grateful to him, to Massara, to Gazidis and to the Coach: they all wanted me here. Paolo was a legend as a player and now he is proving his worth also in the role of the director.”

Theo, in March, told AS that he wished you could stay with him at Milan…
“He was great for me on and off the pitch. He has helped me a lot: everyone has seen what a great player he is, but I assure you that he is an even better person.”

He also told us that with you and Samu Castillejo, they form an inseparable trio, and joke a lot…
“I’m the quietest of the three [laughs], but we have a great time together. Having teammates like that makes life easier. And yet, it’s true about the jokes: in the bus we always bother the guys in front of us.”

Ibrahimović called you his ‘mini me’…
“He is like an older brother. He always demands the maximum, but he also gave me the advice. He’s very fond of me and that’s given me confidence. He makes a different, whether he plays or not, having him in the team is a plus: he’s still very good and he shows it in every training session.”

Let’s talk about the Champions League. In Liverpool it was a very tough game, but those five minutes before the break made us dream…
“The Reds are very good and the match was complicated. We struggled to get into the game, but then we showed our talent. Scoring two goals like that at Anfield is not easy, we’ll take that and we’ll keep fighting in the group.”

And now the Champions League returns, after seven years, to San Siro…
“The Champions League is Milan’s home, everyone knows that, and it will be a special night. Atlético is a tough opponent but it will be a difficult match for both teams. We have our weapons and we’re playing at home.”

What is the biggest danger you expect playing against Los Colchoneros?
“The fact that it’s a team not only with talent, but also well-worked, willing to sacrifice.”

Is there a particular Rojiblanco that you particularly appreciate?
“They have very good players, I don’t choose one because it would be unfair. Besides, I prefer to focus on Milan: our players are also great and we are more united than ever.”

Ancelotti has defined you as a ‘very important’ player for Real Madrid…
“Carletto is a great coach and a special person, so I got to know him. I’m very grateful to him, but right now I’m focused on Milan.”

Why did you decide to return to Italy?
“Because Milan is a great team, I felt the affection of the club and the fans. I was very good here last season and now I’m also very happy here.”

Can you imagine returning to Santiago Bernabéu in two years?
“I don’t think about that, really. I enjoy the present and I’m very happy, I want to continue helping Milan wit goals, assists and above all, a lot of work.”

Work that could open the doors to La Selección?
“I wish. My only present with the national team, against Lithuania, was special: many teammates made their debut and I was even able to score a goal. It was an incredible feeling and I plan to continue giving my all, waiting for another call from the coach. If I do things right, it will come at some point.”

What is the big dream for the future of your career?
“Everyone has one and so do I, but I’m not going to say. I don’t want to jinx it…”