The captain of AC Milan’s Primavera side, Kevin Zeroli, has spoken about the fantastic opportunity that awaits him and his team-mates in the UEFA Youth League Final Four.
Milan have made it to the semi-finals of the youth edition of the Champions League for the second straight season under head coach Ignazio Abate, and they will face Porto in Nyon on Friday at 20:00 CEST hoping to reach the final.
It is a big few days for Zeroli given that Milan announced on Tuesday that he has signed an extension with the club, which will expire in June 2028. His previous deal with the club was signed last year and was due to expire in June 2027.
The 19-year-old central midfielder is a boyhood Milan fan, having grown up in Busto Arsizio, and has consistently shone amongst the Primavera ranks in recent years whilst translating these performances to the European stages in recent years.
Zeroli spoke to Milan TV to given his perspective on the season so far, both on a personal and team level, as well as his debut at San Siro with the first team and Friday’s game.
How important is the Youth League?
“I believe that playing the Youth League is a very important experience for us young players. It gives us the opportunity to grow and compete with high-level international teams.”
Your penalty against Real Madrid was decisive…
“Clearly it was a great joy. It was probably the most important penalty of my career so far. I was very happy for myself and also for having brought the team to the semi-finals.”
What was it like making your first team debut?
“It was nice to make my debut at San Siro. I think it’s the dream of all young players who start practicing this sport. Before the Milan corner I got emotional, I dreamed of it but I didn’t expect it. Abate’s help certainly had a great impact. Having made my first team debut, having achieved this little dream, is certainly thanks to him too for the advice and for everything he gives us every day.”
Milan are also getting involved in charity work…
“Thanks to the Youth League, to this competition, we have also dedicated ourselves to social work. We made a contribution to the Kairos association, which allowed us to deal with kids who had difficulties.”
How do you judge the season so far?
“Reaching the semi-finals two years in a row, being in the top four in Europe, was a huge target. Now we want to do better than last year, also in the Primavera championship where we are fighting for the playoffs. I think it’s a very positive season, we try to give our best until the end.”
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