Brahim Diaz has reflected fondly on the time that he spent at AC Milan, also discussing the exit of Paolo Maldini and the fact Rafael Leao took his number.
The playmaker spent three years on loan from Real Madrid at Milan from 2020 to 2023, with an initial one-year loan then followed by a two-year spell, but he returned to the Spanish capital last summer.
Since then he has found playing time a bit easier to come by having made 44 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists, earning the trust of Carlo Ancelotti in the process.
Brahim will take part in the biggest occasion in club football tomorrow night when Real Madrid play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, and he spoke to La Repubblica about his time at Milan.
How do you reflect on your three seasons at Milan?
“I have very pleasant memories of it: for the Scudetto, the goals, the assists and for the atmosphere at Milanello, with fellow friends and with Pioli, to whom I owe so much.
“In Italian football you can feel the passion, the people are ‘futbolera’ [football mad]. Serie A is growing: it is already among the best leagues in the world, it can still take a step further.”
Paolo Maldini brought you to Milan, are you surprised that he is no longer there?
“Yes, it was him. It’s not up to me, but if you ask me if I was surprised by giving up on him, I’ll say yes.”
Your No.10 shirt ended up on Leao’s shoulders…
“My great friend Rafa. I liked the song for Kaka. Leao is also very strong: someone of a different level, the 10 has an excellent owner.”
