On the day when iMilan turns 123 one of the men who symbolize the 19th AC Milan championship speaks from the training camp in Dubai and dictates the line for 2023: the comeback towards the second star is feasible. Sandro Tonalitrue AC Milan fan, he has clear ideas and just like on the pitch, even in front of a camera, he doesn’t hide behind beating about the bush: “Today there is still some reason to regret the defeat against Napoli” he said in an interview with SportMediaset. “But there are still many matches and in the end we will draw the sums. But we are strong and we can all win, last year’s season is an example of that. We all rowed on the same side and brought home the Scudetto. We are following a path and it must be continueda journey that began with Pioli, who is our driving forcethat gives us balance and everything must be done together”.
Its centrality in the “path” is clear and undoubted. Despite his young age, Tonali has conquered a leadership position on the field that certainly doesn’t take into account his registry: “I’m glad to have become a reference, but it’s not only thanks to me but to the team. We’re making a journey together with the coach, he’s our driving force, he gives us balance on and off the pitch. I arrived playing little, now I play: here’s home this has changed. And the confidence that the pitch gives you is nothing else. Playing is the only thing that makes you improve.”
Tonali has married Milan: the present and the future are his. Now he wishes the same thing happens for Lionundisputed star grappling with the renewal of the contract: “Rafa will decide what he has to do. She is living it well and serenely this season, she doesn’t have to think about many things. You just have to go ahead and play. I can’t get inside her head and change her mind. Only he knows which is the best waywhether to stay here or decide to take other paths. We know he’s a phenomenon and he has to make the best choice for him, before us.” Same wish for his “different twin” in midfield: “Bennacer is fundamental for Milan. There is no other word to describe it. Basic. He is everywhere, he runs for everyone, raises the technical level. Difficult to play without Isma right now. He must stay, he knows better than me what Milan is, he knows the path he has followed and he knows what we can do together.”
Finally, a return to… himself, with a wish for the future: “For life in Milan? It depends on many aspectsmany details, from the value of the team. It is a question that must be asked season by season. This year I would say yes. But it is impossible to predict a 15-20 year career”.
