Bennacer comments on ‘strange atmosphere’ and ‘honour’ of being Milan captain

Ismael Bennacer has admitted that it was important for AC Milan to return to winning ways in front of their own fans at San Siro against Cagliari tonight, and dedicated his goal to his mother.

It was a strange atmosphere given that the protest from the Curva Sud continued, but Milan performed about as well as they could have done in the circumstances as they ran out 5-1 winners in the end.

Bennacer got the first goal of the game as he pounced on a ricochet to fire home, then Christian Pulisic doubled the advantage just after the break. Nandez got one back for the away side, though Tijjani Reijnders restored the two-goal lead.

Some gloss was added to the scoreline inside the final 10 minutes as Rafael Leao turned from provider to scorer, then Pulisic got his second goal of the night.

Bennacer spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle and reflected on what was a very positive night personally and for the team, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

You had gone a month without victories…

“It was a difficult month. We had to react and tonight we did. We want to try to win every match. The season is not It’s over yet. When you play for Milan you always have to believe. It was a strange atmosphere, but we are a family.”

What was it like to wear the captain’s armband?

“It’s an honour to wear it. I always give everything on the pitch for the team. It’s a reward for what I do.”

You got a long-awaited goal…

“I dedicate it to my mother. I love her, there are no other words.”