Serginho urges Milan to sign winger and highlights what Leao renewal case will indicate

By Oliver Fisher -

Former AC Milan man Serginho has urged the current management to do two things above all: renew Rafael Leao and strengthen the attack.

Serginho was at Milan for nine seasons from 1999 to 2008, winning the Champions League twice and racking up 281 appearances and 24 goals for the Rossoneri during his time, and now he works for Alessandro Lucci’s World Soccer Agency as an intermediary for the South American region.

Nonetheless, he obviously remains attached to Milan and he spoke about several of the current situations surrounding the Diavolo in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, with his comments relayed by PianetaMilan.

“I have a perfect name for Milan, one that could solve the problem of number 10: me, but 20 years younger! I am joking, it’s that I like atypical players, capable of doing many things. And in that role Milan need to strengthen themselves,” he said.

If he would use most of the money for the attack: “Yes, if I had to say what the squad was missing last season, I would focus on the central attacking midfielder and on a more mobile striker than Giroud, who is, however, very good in the area.”

Some names: “Origi was signed as a striker, before judging he will be seen in action. I go back to the number 1, then, and I say Ziyech: he prefers to play wider, but he is versatile and has strokes of genius.”

On Brazilians to recommend: “Not until they have recovered the spirit and imagination typical of my country. The Brazilians have become too Europeanised. In the past they imposed themselves at Milan because they did not distort themselves.”

On what someone like Ziyech adds: “He would break through closed defences. It is no coincidence that Milan suffered more often at home, against opponents who did not allow space.”

On Rafael Leao: “He will still be the key man next season. He was fundamental in the Scudetto win. And from his future we will also understand the plans for the new Milan ownership in my opinion. Such a talent must be retained, only in this way can the winning mentality of a club grow. If it did not renew and were sold, then it would mean that the money comes first.”

On Maldini and Massara staying: “They were the architects of the Scudetto, together with Pioli obviously. I would also add Moncada, who worked well.”

On whether he was surprised by them signing at the last minute: “A little, but I was sure it would end like this. It is impossible to imagine a Milan without Paolo today.”

On where Milan will finish this year: “It is difficult to say now, the transfer market must be concluded first. I am convinced, however, that it will climb another step and complete a further step of growth.”

On whether Milan can do well in the Champions League too: “The goal must be to overcome the group stage, improving what we did last year. Dreaming is always good, but let’s be honest, the difference with the great European clubs is still there. Milan has certainly strengthened but it is a step behind certain teams.”

The main differences: “One above all: the depth of the squad. The strongest teams take advantage of the substitutions without losing too much quality, in the long run this affects.”

On if he would concentrate on the second star this year: “For Milan’s DNA, we are aiming for Europe. Reconfirming, however, Italian Champions and crossing that finish line before Inter would be a great thing.”

On if Milan are favourites: “The others have strengthened a lot, but titles are not won on paper. Otherwise the Champions League would almost always have ended in Paris and instead…”

Tags AC Milan Hakim Ziyech Rafael Leao Serginho
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