Jens Petter Hauge was interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport, sharing his thoughts on AC Milan’s tough season, his time at the club, and knocking out Inter in the Champions League
Hauge arrived at Milan in the summer of 2020, having performed really well for Bodo/Glimt in the game against the Rossoneri a few weeks before. While the expectations were somewhat high, he never really got a proper chance under Stefano Pioli.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
He scored eight goals and got three assists in his first season, which certainly isn’t bad, but he was sent on loan to Frankfurt in the summer. That loan turned into a permanent move, ending Hauge’s tenure at Milan despite initial promise.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport from the United States, currently with Norway at the World Cup, Hauge shared his thoughts on the time at Milan, facing them in the future, and knocking out Inter from the Champions League.
What memories do you have of Italian football?
“Wonderful. I had a fantastic season, in a very competitive league. It was an important experience for me: on a personal level, it helped me grow a lot, but also on a professional level, I think I learned a lot.”
Milan went on to win the Scudetto the following season, with Ibra still playing…
“Ibra was a great player, a true leader. I tried to learn as much as possible from him and the other great players who were with me. I remained very attached to Milan: I love the club and the fans, they are simply incredible. I am still a Milan fan.”
Milan struggled last season…
“I followed it and I’m sad to see Milan out of the Champions League again. Given their history and prestige, they are a club that should be in the Champions League and should fight for the Scudetto every year.
“The final matchday was a mockery because Champions League qualification was within reach, but Milan will bounce back.”
You’ve come a long way with Bodo in the Champions League. Would you like to face Milan in the Champions League, say in two seasons?
“I’d love to return to San Siro [playing against Milan] in the Champions League. It would be great for me and I think for the Milan fans too. I returned to San Siro to face Inter a few months ago, and we had a great time. Getting through to the next round against the eventual Italian champions was truly satisfying.”
For you it was… a derby?
“A little bit, yes (laughs) and I was happy that we won.”
I don’t think he scored 8 goals and had 4 assists. He did ok but it was evident it is a bit above his level at the time.
Buddy’s scoring goals in europe against Man city, inter, and dortmund. Meanwhile we cant even qualify and sell all our promising players to better teams…