AC Milan defender Davide Calabria has said that the Rossoneri fans are the best in the world and had special praise for French striker Olivier Giroud.
Speaking during an interview with DAZN (via Milan News), the Italian defender discussed an array of topics such as last season’s Scudetto win and Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.
Calabria is a player that has long had a great relationship with the Milan fans thanks to his consistent performances and loyalty to the club, even earlier in his career when he struggled for form.
On the fans, he said: “The Milan player puts the team before himself and gives everything for this shirt. The relationship I have with the fans is positive, I feel like one of them. I understand their feelings and their passion. They have always supported us, they are the best fans in the world.”
Calabria was a crucial part of Milan winning the Scudetto last season under Stefano Pioli and they won it away at Sassuolo on the final day.
On that special moment, he said: “Sassuolo-Milan was the best moment of my career at AC Milan. From the very first day at Milanello last season I was sure we’d win the Scudetto, I even told my friends. I could feel it, there was a different air. The desire to prove ourselves was really strong in all of us. We always believed in it.”
There was a late bid from Everton for Milan striker Olivier Giroud on deadline day but it was rejected by both player and club. Calabria said of the Frenchman: “He’s a great player, when he arrived we were sure of the champion he still is. He’s incredible.”
On Sunday’s derby against Inter: “Derby week is incredible. These are strong emotions. There is a lot of respect between the two teams, there have never been issues on the pitch that go beyond football. Two of the greatest teams in the world are facing each other, so it must be a day of joy. It’s obvious that we just want to win, so there are some disagreements, the adrenaline that is created is normal.”
On Milanello: “Meeting so many champions during my career in the Rossoneri is beautiful. I have met people like [Gennaro] Gattuso, [Pippo] Inzaghi, [Franco] Baresi and now Paolo Maldini.
“At Milanello you can breathe history, it’s a fascinating place. Working with these champions is almost normal, but it never becomes so. It’s wonderful for those who, like me, grew up in the youth sector, but also for those who come from outside. Meeting all these champions makes you realise the importance of this club.”
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