AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu has spoken about life away from football including his upbringing in France, his family and what he likes to do aside from sport.
It was announced by the club yesterday that Kalulu has signed a new deal running until 2027, meaning another piece of the Milan Scudetto-winning side has therefore pledged their long-term future, so the management have cemented another brick in the wall.
The Frenchman arrived as a semi-unknown in the summer of 2020 from the Lyon academy having not made a senior appearance for them but he has shown his versatility, quality and athleticism since joining Milan, now seemingly an immovable part of the starting XI.
Kalulu spoke in a new YouTube series created by the official channel of the Rossoneri called ‘On the road’ in which a player is interviewed during a trip in the car, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
On the affection of the fans who ask him for autographs and selfies outside Milanello…
“Yes, it’s always a pleasure. I have a very nice relationship with the fans: they are very affectionate. When you feel that people love you, you are always happier.”
On his home being in Varese and not in Milan…
“I was already living in a quiet city in France. I really like being at home and I have chosen a quiet place that is even closer to Milanello, so even when I have to wake up in the morning I do it early. Milano? Yes, for me it is a city where there is everything as if it were a capital, between shops and restaurants. When you need something, you can find it in Milan.”
On his coach in Lyon in the Saint-Priest neighbourhood team, Roger Martin…
“He taught me all the basics, the vision of football: more towards intelligence than physical abilities. It was very important to me. When I come back I almost always go to see him. Now he is a Milan fan: I gave him a tracksuit and every time he can he puts it on. He is proud of me, he has always trusted.”
On having a family of footballers…
“Joseph, the youngest, also plays at Saint-Priest now: we are all footballers. My parents put a lot of emphasis on school. I was good in class, I was a good student. They wanted us to reach the French high school but also for us and football they did everything. I will thank them forever. Mum gets more excited, my dad is more rational.”
On his hobbies…
“I am very homely. I love to do many things and if I go out and just to do one thing, I don’t go out by chance: I have to have an aim. When I go out I like to go shopping for clothes or to a restaurant in the evening. In France I loved going to the cinema: I like all the Marvel movies and also the DC Universe. At home I watch TV series: the two that you have to see are Game of Thrones and Vikings.”
On his relationship with animals…
“At my family’s house I have a dog called Caesar: very strong but if he doesn’t know you… he’s like me with attackers.”
On the possibility of having a family…
“Now I am free: for me love is not something that is sought but that arrives. Surely I see myself as a father and I would like to have a family. Soon my brother will have a daughter and you can see that it is a very beautiful thing.
“I’ll be the best uncle in the world, I will be an uncle who will give you everything. I have a WhatsApp group with my family: we talk about many things, not only about football, we give each other advice. Not seeing them, as happened before, is strange… I miss them a little. They haven’t managed to come to San Siro yet, they see it full, it’s incredible, this year I’ll try to bring them.”
Your father used to say ‘he who dares wins’ as a motto. Is it yours too?
“Yes, it’s natural for me. Coming to Milan, in general, is a risk already; then, on the pitch there is also a lot of risk for our type of football. Since I’ve been here, I’ve grown faster than usual.”
When did you realise you were going to win the Scudetto?
“The Giroud derby changed many things, we had an incredible pace… But also in Rome against Lazio, the game against Fiorentina, but also a little earlier. We had changed the attitude towards the games, we could win against anyone, even playing less well than usual we reached the goal. You felt that the opponent had a little more fear. It is true that it is easy to say these things later, but I already felt it before.”
How was the Scudetto party?
“Really incredible. Everyone says that when you are young you do not feel that you have won the Scudetto, but when I celebrated with all the people I said: ‘But no, we did something very important’. I learned all the chants of the fans, because from the stadium it felt only like music.”
Is it easier to understand defeats now?
“When you lose you have to ask yourself a question: what did I do wrong? And you must have the strength to start over. Your pride is touched, so you seek redemption. Ok ok, I was wrong, but then I’m going to prove to all that it was just a blip and that I am stronger.”
It indicates that you have a very well-trained head…
“Mmmm, yes. I know I always have to prove it… You have to prove it on the pitch. That’s where you see the real me, there’s the adrenaline.”
You owe so much to Pioli…
“The first coach always has a special place. I respect him a lot, also for the values he gives to the group. He wants us to do more and more. We are a good group, we all love each other.”
And with Ibrahimovic?
“He, from the beginning, wanted to know who I was, he was curious. He followed me, gave me advice, respects my work. He tells me to have faith on the pitch.”
Where do you want to go?
“I want to reach the top level, without limits. I am convinced I can do it. It is only the beginning now, in 10 years I will be able to say that I said it…”
Good boy