AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko has expressed optimism about the Rossoneri’s current path, including the signing of Sandro Tonali.
Shevchenko is the second-top scorer in club history and earned the affection of the fans, and there has been speculation over the past 12 months that he could one day return as head coach, given that he is doing a fantastic job as manager of the Ukrainian national team.
Shevchenko was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport and was asked about Milan’s choice to go with continuity after last season instead of revolutionising.
“Milan restarted a year ago and in football it takes time. Zvone Boban and Paolo Maldini did the right things, the results slowly arrived,” he said (via MilanLive).
“The team reacted to a difficult moment and Pioli did a great job: he gave an identity, he won the trust of the group. Milan needed continuity and found it. Maldini? I’m glad he stayed.”
The former Rossoneri striker was also asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who Milan decided to give a new one-year deal to despite the fact he is almost 39 years old.
“If he still has something to give, if he has stimuli, I would always keep him,” Sheva continued.
“In recent months he has done what was expected, played with intelligence and guided his teammates. Ibra always responds on the pitch.”
Milan also confirmed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Brescia on a loan deal with an option to buy, and Shevchenko believes it is asolid coup.
“He seems to me a solid player, with a lot of quality. Everyone says great things about him and he can still grow a lot.”
According to the Ukraine coach, Stefano Pioli’s team is not yet in the Scudetto race though.
“I think it’s still early. I think the goal should be to return to the Champions League. What is missing for the qualitative leap? Confirm the good things from a complicated season: it will be a decisive year to be able to say ‘we are here too, we are back among the top teams’.”
