Marcos Cafu believes that two players above all will be key if AC Milan are to win the derby against Inter tomorrow night, and he reiterated his love for the club and its fans.
He may have played his last match for Milan over 15 years ago back in 2008, but the affection that the Rossoneri fans – and more generally all football lovers – have towards Cafu is still incredible to behold.
Yesterday at Milan Malpensa airport, before the departure of the Rossoneri Legends flight to Georgia, the Brazilian was besieged for autographs and selfies. With a smile on his face, he took the time to make sure he satisfied everyone.
The full-back is someone who knows what it takes to win trophies and the biggest games like the derby, and his experience is something Milan could really use tomorrow when they take on their city rivals with one win in five to begin the season and Paulo Fonseca under big pressure.
Cafu gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport which was published on the eve of the derby at San Siro, and he spoke about a number of topics from the charity game in Georgia to the key men against Inter.
How does it feel to still be so loved?
“Very good. It’s always nice to see that people feel affection towards you. It means that I did well here. One thing is certain: the Milan fans love me at least as much as I love them.”
Are you fit for today’s game in Tbilisi?
“Whenever you go out on the field for charity, I’m always there. I started in Brazil and here I am… Milan is a club with a big heart and it shows it with initiatives like this. And then it will be nice to hug Kaladze again [he is the mayor of Tbilisi and will lead the Georgian Legends] and all my former team-mates.”
With Kala and the others you won a lot…
“Yes, we lifted trophies, but the most beautiful thing that remains from those years is the friendship with these guys. Every time we see each other it’s a thrill. We’re still a family”.
Was and is the father of this family Ancelotti?
“Yes, dad Carlo (laughs). It was a pleasure to be coached by him: he is an exceptional coach who was fundamental to many of the Rossoneri’s triumphs. He always knew what to say in the locker room to convey calm before an important match.
“I am not surprised that he continues to win: as a coach he is the best in the world, but above all he is a great person. My compatriots Vinicius, Rodrigo and Endrick are lucky to have him in Madrid.”
You have won many derbies. Which one do you remember with the most pleasure?
“The one we won in a comeback in my first year in Milan. Because we were losing 2-0, we turned the game around and at the end of the season we won the title.”
Who was the toughest opponent among the Nerazzurri?
“Zanetti. The battles with him were beautiful because he pushed so hard and I did the same. It was a fight… between giants, but always in the name of respect.”
Do you follow Milan from Brazil?
“Yes, often. I didn’t expect such a difficult start, but there’s time to recover and I’m convinced that this team will get a lot of points. The derby in this sense is a very important match: by winning it, Milan can catch up with Inter and get back into the fight for the Scudetto. I believe in it.”
What kind of game are you expecting?
“It’s tough because we’ll be facing a strong team, but we need to win to climb the standings. If the Nerazzurri beat us, it will be more difficult to recover and that’s why I say we need to do well.”
Everyone says Inter are the favourites. Do you agree?
“The standings say this, but the derby is… the derby, an unpredictable match that can change the season.”
If you could take a player away from Inzaghi, who would you choose?
“Lautaro. He has goals in his DNA.”
Among the Rossoneri, who are you banking on?
“Morata was a great signing. If he gets the right service, he will score a lot this season. Let’s hope for the derby too.”
Emerson Royal admitted that his idol has always been Cafu. What encouragement do you feel like sending him?
“He’s very good and, even though he didn’t play much at Tottenham, I’m convinced that he’ll do very well at Milan. He’s young and if he gets going he can give a lot to the team because he has strength, grit and ‘garra’.”
Inzaghi’s three-man defence, at the moment, offers many more guarantees than Fonseca’s four-man defence…
“In a tactical match like this, the details are decisive and I am convinced that Fonseca will find the right move.”
Who will win the title?
“I hope Milan, but, in addition to Inter, watch out for Juve. Thiago Motta is good.”