Zvonimir Boban has talked about the Derby, his memories from his career, his relationship with the fans and his rituals.
Zvone joined Milan in the summer and was appointed Chief Football Officer. The Croatian took a part in building the squad of coach Marco Giampaolo and on Saturday the Rossoneri will face Antonio Conte’s Inter at San Siro (20:45 CEST).
“What is it like to play and experience a Derby? When you try to explain football, you say there are no words to describe it. The derby is a perfect example,” Boban told MilanTV. “If you haven’t played it, you can’t really understand what it means, and you can’t even describe it when you have played it.
“The strength, the passion, and even the pressure come with this match. But, if you’ve got the courage and character, once you touch the ball for the first time, the pressure dissipates. The eve, however, is a separate matter, it’s different from any other game because sometimes you need to dig deep for extra motivation, but the derby is the opposite – if anything you need to relax. Otherwise, you might be overtaken by emotions because the derby is unique, unique in the world, between two clubs that have respect for each other, but share an incredible, historical and beautiful rivalry.
🗣 "One can't describe a derby match even after playing it"
Zvonimir Boban's interview before Saturday's clash 🏟🗣 "Non è facile descrivere il Derby, nemmeno dopo averlo giocato"
L'intervista a Boban aspettando #MilanInter 🏟#StrongerTogether #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/Kvqf6pQzfC— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 18, 2019
“The derby that I remember the most? To be honest, the 6-0 derby was crazy. There was even a 5-0 in Coppa Italia, but that’s different. We had many wins, and we suffered defeats but the wins are incredible and are what you want to remember. On a personal level, there was a good, which was quite strange, that I scored; it was good, I wrong-footed Sébastien Frey, who was the Inter goalkeeper at the time, I remember that goal fondly because it was a moment of really quick thinking, to wrong-foot him using the outside of my boot.
“My relationship with the fans? To be honest, I didn’t think about my rapport with the fans during the derby. I used to think of my rapport with the Milan jersey, which the fans then consider. I gave what I could and the fans judged me on that. So, I didn’t exactly think about my rapport with the fans, it was up to them to judge how I was as a player and a person. It didn’t change anything about playing the derby in front of your own fans. But, seeing the banners, the creativity and those inventions, especially from our fans, because they are more creative, was a joy.
“Pre-derby rituals and superstitions? I had my own pre-game rituals, like every player and coach does, but it’s not about superstition, it’s about routines. From the way I’d tie my shoelaces, or when I’d them, or how long I’d listen to music with my Walkman, back then, and what songs I’d listen to, because they were always the same, and what words and phrases I’d say to myself before the match, there were things that were very subjective, but they gave me serenity and strength before the match.
“If I’m excited for my first Derby as a director? Every derby came with its own emotions, as expected, because as soon as the preceding game finished, everyone would start talking about the derby and the derby experience began. Milano is a city that experiences the derby in an incredible way. Everyone gets involved, even those who aren’t interested in football, behave like they loved football when it’s derby time. So, it’s very different but I’m trying to stay calm and seeing things in a football way to improve all together.”
Believe in your wisdom and knowledge. Forza Zorro! Forza Milan!