Malick ThiawMilan defender, gave an interview to Eurosport: “This has been a season from which I can learn. I think I started quite well in the first games, then there were some in which I could have done better but these too are served to improve. Then there was the injury. After that it wasn’t easy for me to come back, I didn’t know certain feelings, it was the first time. But now I feel good. And I think it wasn’t one for the team such a bad season, we finished second. Obviously the defeats against Roma and Inter were really tough… We expect more from a great club like Milan. We will certainly have to do better next season.”
Where could this season change?
“There wasn’t a specific moment, but some important ones… There were many injuries. I think Roma was a key moment, everyone judged us. We wanted to win the Europa League, so if I had to choose a moment I would say the match against Roma was unique.”
Are you inspired by any defenders?
“Yes, I was young and I wasn’t able to see him on the pitch but I say Paolo Maldini. My father spoke to me about him and when I came I was able to meet him and talk to him.”
Who is the toughest opponent you’ve met in Italy?
“I think Lukaku is really strong. But also Lautaro Martinez…”.
Is Italy really that tactical?
“Yes, totally true. Different from the Bundes, but it’s not as tactical as they say: it’s very fast, for me, and there are a lot of duels, the smallest details decide matches faster than in other leagues. You have to be concentrated for everyone the 90 minutes: you don’t score many goals, if you make mistakes you’re punished.”
How exciting is the first match at San Siro?
“Incredible, I remember like it was yesterday, there was the derby… I didn’t play, I was on the bench, but I think there is no better match. My family hasn’t been here yet.”
Any other players he would have liked to play with?
“I say Kevin Prince Boateng. Every now and then I watch some match or some crazy goal he scored, I remember Arsenal and Barca… I would like to be like him!”.
Now comes the European Championship.
“The European Championship at home is every kid’s dream, I can’t wait for it to arrive. Let’s not worry about the past, we know we will have to do better.”
