Antonio Mirante departed AC Milan after Saturday’s game against Salernitana and he has given an interview reflecting on his time at the club, as well as sharing his experiences with former head coach Paulo Fonseca.
Mirante joined Milan as an emergency solution in the 2021-22 season when Mike Maignan suffered an injury which kept him out for nine games, but he did not make his first appearance for the club until the last game of 2022-23.
He came on for the final minute of the win over Hellas Verona and many thought it was to be a farewell appearance, and yet he was given another one-year deal by the club.
After starting the game against Salernitana – his third appearance for the club – Milan announced Mirante’s departure on social media, with some expectations that he might retire.
Mirante spoke to Radio Serie A about a number of topics from his time at Milan to what the future holds, and his comments from the interview were relayed by MilanNews24.
What does the future hold?
“I wouldn’t want to reach Buffon’s age by playing again, but I feel good and therefore the following weeks will be weeks of reflection. Today I would like to continue, I feel good and this season I also had the chance to play a few games.
“The future depends a little on the path that everyone has taken, on how you feel, where you play and how you approached the last football year, without forgetting the importance of the motivation that pushes you to move forward. Injuries certainly affect a player’s career and for me to think about going abroad now is almost impossible.”
How would you judge your time at Milan?
“I arrived at Milan as a free agent after my experience in Rome and it was a different Milan, despite having already been reborn a year ago, a Milan with a different energy. Today there is an evolved and ambitious Milan which, thanks to the coach, has improved many players: the ambitions have changed. Milan today are no longer the team they were five years ago. Expectations are high.”
What was it like working under Stefano Pioli?
“I had faced Pioli a few times as an opponent in the teams I played for, but I didn’t know him personally. He brought energy and the right mentality to seek victory, he taught us the right way to play matches and how to coach the team. This was instrumental in many of us turning a corner.
“This applies to many individuals, but especially to the team. The year of the Scudetto was the one that brought about a turning point for players, clubs and fans. That year was decisive for everyone: for us and for him.
“In that year we were the team that had the fastest growth path; we won a title in a season where we didn’t start as favourites.”
How would you rate the 2023-24 season?
“The matches against Roma in the Europa League were disappointing compared to what we expected. It was a disappointment for everyone. There are matches that affect a coach’s evaluation, but unfortunately this often happens in our football.
“The matches won against Paris Saint-Germain, the victory over Atletico in my first year in Madrid are matches that demonstrate the work done by Pioli over the years.”
What can you tell us about Paulo Fonseca, who could be the man to replace Pioli?
“Fonseca is a coach who likes to play football, he is an attacking coach and has a good approach with the boys. I had him for two years at Roma, with all the problems linked to that period in that place and in my opinion, despite everything, he did well.
“He is a coach who goes straight his way; he is pragmatic and ambitious. Milan are a club that aims to win, the objectives are important and therefore Fonseca – or whoever takes over – will have huge responsibilities inherited from Pioli.
“We are less informed than you and it’s not easy, but I think it was a thoughtful choice. Milan are a club that stays with you for its charm, history and working environment. Milanello and San Siro in recent years have been fundamental environments in which to grow and improve.”
What is Zlatan Ibrahimovic like?
“There are players like him who have a charisma and an aura that precede him. He’s a super smart guy who understands football. He approached us with great humility and responsibility, until recently he played with us. I have the feeling that he is very competent even if I don’t know the management dynamics.”
You shared the department with Mike Maignan, and you know Gianluigi Donnarumma…
“Maignan and Donnarumma are very strong goalkeepers, different, but with great talent. Gigio made Italy’s fortune and he will certainly do it again. Mike is an incredible professional, a total goalkeeper who is destined to improve even further in the coming years.
“His charisma can be perceived just by looking at him. In the dressing room you know he’s there, he conveys certainty and this quality is essential for his role.”
Finally, a thought on Leao?
“Leao lacks a bit of hunger and consistency, he needs to not be satisfied when he plays incredible matches like against Paris Saint Germain; I think this is the only thing he’s missing, otherwise he’s an incredible player.”