Hachim Mastour offers honest reflection on time at Milan and gives advice to Camarda

Hachim Mastour has lifted the lid on his time at AC Milan and explained why the hype that surrounded him only contributed to pressure which he struggled to deal with.

There was a time when Mastour was the most talked about player in the AC Milan academy, and yet his story is sadly one of a player that never really reached the levels that he suggested he would when he was a teenager.

He began his career at Reggiana where he was born and caught the eye of Milan, signing for the Rossoneri for €500,000 at the age of 14. He was sent on a two-year loan to Málaga but it was terminated earlier, then a loan to PEC Zwolle followed.

It was when he left permanently for Greek side Lamia that the Milan dream was over. He would return to Italy to play for Reggina and Carpi in Serie C, then heading to Morocco, and at 26 years of age he is currently without a club having left his last team in Morocco when his deal expired.

Mastour spoke to MilanNews about his story as a Milan player including why it didn’t go to plan and the lessons that he was able to take from it.

Hachim, you have been away from Italy in the last two years…

“I was in Morocco, first playing in Serie B in the team of my mother’s hometown [Renaissance Zemamra]. I was the team captain, we won the league. Then I played in the top league, for the King’s team [Union Touarga].

“I had a great time, I take many things with me in my personal baggage. I learned a lot at a group level and learned new game dynamics. On an environmental level then I discovered my parents’ country of origin, learned the Arabic language well.

“In Malaga I had learned Spanish and in other foreign experiences [PEC Zwolle and PAS Lamia] English. For me it was a further enrichment.”

Where are you at now?

“I have had requests from the United Arab Emirates. Personally, I would like to return to the Italian league, which is the most important for me. I dream of fulfilling myself in this country where I was born, raised and which I am in love with.”