Brahim Díaz has spoken to AS to discuss last season and the one that starts in 3 weeks.
Two months ago, Milan fans were in the streets celebrating the first Scudetto of the Diavolo since 2011; in 3 weeks from today, these fans will be at San Siro for Milan-Udinese to kick off the season.
Ahead of the new campaign, Brahim Díaz sat down for an interview with Mirko Calemme of the Spanish newspaper AS.
Brahim, you’ve experienced 2 historic seasons with Milan. In the first – a return to the Champions League after 8 years, and in the second – a Scudetto which was awaited for a decade?
“It has all been very nice. We knew we had a talented squad and that making history was possible. In the end we made it.”
Ancelotti celebrated with you from afar…
“Of course, the Coach has always been a Rossonero: he must have been very happy with what we’ve done.”
Just like you must have been delighted with the incredible Champions League that Real Madrid lifted…
“Of course. I have many mates and friends there and it was great to see them succeed.”
What do you remember from the party in Milano?
“The open-bus tour. It’s an amazing experience to live through something like that. At that moment you realize what Milan represents for its people. The ‘tifosi’ hanging by lampposts and buses just to greet us… People were crazy about us and I will always remember that. We have put Milan back where it belongs.”
And, at the start, almost nobody considered you favorites…
“We are a young group, it’s true, and it was normal that many people thought that. But a unique chemistry was created between the players, the Club and the ‘tifosi’: we all started to believe and the result, in the end, didn’t surprise us.”
You told me before that Theo, Castillejo and you were the jokers in the group. Something must have happened during those 2 days…
“We got well all the time, they even pretended to want to throw me off the bus [laughs]. They were jokes of mature kids, as I say.”
The [new 2022/23 away] shirt that they presented shows the Scudetto, but it also recalls the 7 Champions League titles won by the Club. This year, you have to go further in Europe…
“Yes, we can do more. We have a squad that mixes youth and experience and a Club that knows like few others what the Champions League is. We have won an important title, we have grown and we’ll also be in Pot 1. We must believe.”
What was your favorite win of the season?
“The one that gave us the Scudetto, obviously, I’ll never forget it. However, the one that made the difference was the comeback in the second round Derby against Inter. I came on when we were 1-0 and I remember with pride that I was able to help the team turn the score around.”
You are the third player in history, the youngest, and the first Spaniard, to win La Liga, the Premier League and Serie A. What does this record me for you?
“Honestly, I couldn’t even imagine being able to boast that in my career. I have to thank the teammates and coaches I’ve had. I’ve always tried to do my bit and will continue to do so. Hopefully more records will come.”
How is your relationship with Pioli?
“He has always given me confidence. He knows what I can give him and he’s helped me grow as a player. He’s a very good coach and a very good person. I’m grateful to him.”
You started the season great, with 4 goals and 2 assists in the first 9 games, and very good performances also in the Champions League. Then COVID stopped you for a month and it took you a while to get back to your level…
“At the beginning of the season I was feeling great, mentally and physically, and I was showing the player I want to be by playing every game. Then it’s true that COVID left me out of action for more than a month and in addition to causing me some physical issues, when you are in a good dynamic and you stop – getting back to your previous level is not easy. With time I felt good again and I’m happy with the role I played.”
It was a learning season…
“Yes, of course. I’ve loved having responsibilities and pressure, I feel I’ve grown. I’m a perfectionist and I know I can still improve a lot. In this new season I want to give more assists and score more goals to help the team.”
It has been the year of Theo’s explosion. The goal against Atalanta is already legendary…
“Theo is an impressive player. He has physique, quality and tactical intelligence. I always knew he could go far and he is already one of the best in his position. The goal against Atalanta shows his strength and self-confidence.”
You spoke several times about your relationship with Ibrahimović, who has already officially renewed. He went through a very difficult season, suffering silently with his knee…
“Ibra is fundamental for us, on and off the pitch. He never stops giving us all advice and it’s impossible not to improve by watching what he does on a daily basis. He makes a difference. In the dressing room we knew the sacrifices he made with his knee. There are things that only those who experience them understand.”
What Milan should we expect?
“A team more aware of its strength, which dreams of the 2nd star, and which will fight game by game to get it.”
Staying with the Rossoneri for another year was a natural decision…
“I’m very well here, both personally and professionally. I want to give my best for this Club and continue to grow.”
To conquer, why not, also a place in La Selección…
“I will work every day to do well at Milan and so that I can be taken into account. There is no greater pride for a footballer…”
