Former midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes AC Milan have what it takes to catch Napoli, just as he feels Charles De Ketelaere will explode in time.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Seedorf gave an interview to the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport and was asked a few questions about his old club Milan, with his comments relayed by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it.
The Dutchman began with an assessment of the title race, which currently sees Milan eight points behind Napoli and therefore facing an uphill battle if they are to retain their crown as the champions of Italy.
“Napoli deserves to be there, they’ve played the best football. Milan are used to playing important matches and are solid. I think it will shorten the distance. Milan’s fortune is to have re-established a winning culture, especially with Maldini,” he said.
One of the situations that Milan must tackle is the renewal of Rafael Leao, who has become a crucial player and was the Serie A MVP last season, but his deal runs out in June 2024 and it will take a big financial commitment to agree an extension.
“Rafael didn’t play much at the World Cup, he’ll be excited. I’d be happy if he continued with Milan, it would be the right choice. He still has to improve and, if he were to leave, he would risk reducing his margins for growth. The money will come… and it will be plentiful,” Seedorf said.
Finally, Seedorf spoke about the start to the season that Charles De Ketelaere has had given that his adaptation has not been without struggles since his summer arrival from Club Brugge in a deal worth over €30m.
“I don’t know him personally but I don’t think there’s a character problem: it would mean that Milan made a partial choice and Milan generally don’t make these mistakes. I too have played with shy youngsters who have grown up. An example? Kluivert to Milan.”
