Former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has spoken about the derby defeat in the Champions League, Paolo Maldini’s plan for the team and Rafael Leao’s rise.
Shevchenko was present at the Padel Cup organised by Lega Serie A in Rome at the Il Baiardo Sports Centre and he was interviewed about a number of topics related to Milan, with his comments relayed my PianetaMilan.
Firstly he was asked about Milan’s defeat against Inter in the Champions League semi-final, one that was heavily conditioned by a nightmare first 12 minutes in the first leg, in which the Nerazzurri scored twice en route to a 3-0 aggregate win.
“It was heavy, but Inter deservedly won, especially in the first 15 minutes they played beautiful football. But it was a good season for Milan… despite the many difficulties they reached the semi-finals,” he said.
“Pioli’s season has been a good season, Milan are in the running for fourth place, they reached the semi-finals. Pioli is a great coach for me, last year he won the Scudetto playing very well, I hope it continues like this.”
It is expected to be the week in which Leao puts pen to paper on a contract extension with the Rossoneri until 2028, and the feeling is that the Portuguese winger could follow the lead of Sheva in being the star man of the attack for years to come.
“He’s an important player, let’s hope he stays, I read that Paolo said he’s staying. Rafael can grow even more,” he said.
Finally, the former Ukraine international was asked about what Milan need to do in the transfer market, with his close friend and ex team-mate Paolo Maldini calling the shots.
“I know Paolo very well, he will do everything to strengthen the team together with Massara, you have to believe in them.”
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