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Cassano reveals how he fell out with Galliani and why he forced AC Milan exit


Antonio Cassano is certainly a divisive figure amongst the AC Milan fan base, and he has revealed some information about his exit in 2012.
Cassano’s time at Milan lasted just a year and a half. He joined in January 2011 from Sampdoria after Ronaldinho’s farewell, with Adriano Galliani deciding to address the need for a more creative forward to help Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He would depart in summer 2012 after eight goals in 40 appearances and two trophies won (the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup), eventually moving to Inter as part of an exchange involving Giampaolo Pazzini.
Since then however he has incurred the wrath of some who believe he has been disrespectful to Milan in a number of ways. In an interview granted to Sky Italia, he tried to reveal the background on his exit.
“I have always spoken well of Milan, how I found myself and the Scudetto that we won. There I only had problems with Galliani, because I wanted a contract renewal,” he said (via MilanLive).
“The club dealt with the extension only of those who had only one year of contract, while I had two. Instead I wanted to renew, then Inter was looking for me and then I broke through the tear that had been created after the problems with Galliani.
“But at Milan I have never had problems with the club. It was a sensational experience and if I hadn’t had a heart problem I’m sure we would have won the second championship too.”
Cassano suffered from an atrial septal defect that affected him on his return from the trip to Rome in October 2011 and was only allowed to return five months later, with Milan narrowly missing out on a second Serie A title in two years that season.

AC Milan are reportedly in talks with the entourage of Internacional centre-back Bruno Fuchs, according to a report.

There seems to be a deal of uncertainty regarding the Rossoneri’s rearguard going into next season, with doubts over the futures of Simon Kjaer, Mateo Musacchio and even now captain Alessio Romagnoli.

Vito Angele told us earlier in the week that Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer and Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara are two players that have attracted the club’s attention as possible reinforcements, while Tuttosport believe Andreas Christensen of Chelsea is also a target.

According to the latest from La Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Nicolo Schira, a new name has emerged as a potential target in Bruno Fuchs.

The Rossoneri are apparently in in-depth contacts with the entourage of the Brazil U23 international, which are being directed by the intermediary Stefano Castagna.

Arsenal and AS Monaco have both also been linked with a move for the 20-year-old.

AC Milan are ready to bet on another La Liga player confident of having found the right back Theo Hernandez.

Calciomercato reports that AC Milan intend to do business again in Spani when the summer transfer window opens. The Rossoneri have identified Real Betis right back Emerson as a potential signings for the defence.

The 21-year-old defender Emerson joined Betis on loan from Barcelona until 2021 after the Spanish giants purchased him from Atletico Mineiro. During his time in Brazil the young right back was considered a possible heir to Dani Alves. Emerson is currently on loan from Barcelona but both clubs own half of the player’s rights.

The Brazilian has done really well in his first season in Spain and his performances have attracted the attention of AC Milan. Emerson has made 23 appearances scoring 3 goals and assisting 5. A typical Brazilian full-back who likes to contribute a lot in attack.

AC Milan are studying a Theo Hernandez-type signing. The Rossoneri left back was bought from Real Madrid last summer, after careful evaluations and the personal intervention of Paolo Maldini, which resulted successful.

The same could be true for Emerson. The Brazilain right back has a similar market value to Theo (around €20 million) but Milan must act quickly to avoid the competition of other clubs.

AC Milan are ready to bet on another La Liga player confident of having found the right back Theo Hernandez.

Calciomercato reports that AC Milan intend to do business again in Spani when the summer transfer window opens. The Rossoneri have identified Real Betis right back Emerson as a potential signings for the defence.

The 21-year-old defender Emerson joined Betis on loan from Barcelona until 2021 after the Spanish giants purchased him from Atletico Mineiro. During his time in Brazil the young right back was considered a possible heir to Dani Alves. Emerson is currently on loan from Barcelona but both clubs own half of the player’s rights.

The Brazilian has done really well in his first season in Spain and his performances have attracted the attention of AC Milan. Emerson has made 23 appearances scoring 3 goals and assisting 5. A typical Brazilian full-back who likes to contribute a lot in attack.

AC Milan are studying a Theo Hernandez-type signing. The Rossoneri left back was bought from Real Madrid last summer, after careful evaluations and the personal intervention of Paolo Maldini, which resulted successful.

The same could be true for Emerson. The Brazilain right back has a similar market value to Theo (around €20 million) but Milan must act quickly to avoid the competition of other clubs.

Alexis Saelemaekers on Instagram:

Why did you choose AC Milan?

Because Milan is one of the largest clubs in the world. I am proud to be part of it.

Why did you choose number 56?

Because it was my first number in my professional career.

What did you feel when you debuted for Rossonery?

I felt great pride and support from the family who is always with me.

Which Milan player are you the funniest in your opinion?

Leão.

Which player from your current team is your favorite?

Calhanoglu.

Carlo Ancelotti for Milan TV:

About Kaka:

To be honest, I didn't know much about him before. I only suggested the club's opinions to bring the young player to Milan. Someone told me that he looks like Seveso. When I saw him during the first training, I thought he was a very fast player with great potential.

His debut was a surprise for all of us. His influence on the team was amazing and his performance against Ancona surprised everyone.

Playing as a trequartista at the time was special because Rivaldo and Rui Costa were already playing in this position. I wanted him to play in his position. When Inzaghi got injured, we started playing with two trequartistas. Having Kaka was an added value. Over time, it will turn out that Kaká will be key for the team in the coming years.

Kaká was a modern player. I think he could easily handle current football.

What is the difference between winning Serie A and the Champions League?

In the league, emotions grow gradually as they get used to victories. The Champions League is great emotions. Playing regular matches in the league helped us to finish the season well, even though the defeat with Deportivo slightly reduced the team's morale.

About celebrating victories:

I have often sung with Galliani on holiday (laughs).

There is no difference between winning as a player and a coach. The emotions are still the same. As a player, you have less responsibility. As a coach, you are more successful. Theoretically, it was difficult to lead a team like Milan because there were many champions there, but I really remember this cooperation very well.

Spanish Messi 🔥 🔥 🔥

MERCATO NEWS
Di Marzio: €5m demand revealed as Milan and Juve monitor teenage sensation
By Isak Möller - 25 April 2020, 16:00
AC Milan’s strategy for the summer is very clear: young but experienced players will be brought in to start the revolution. With Ralf Rangnick in pole position to lead the project, the Rossoneri will focus on youth.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, talking about the 2005 Italian class, there is one player that has ended up on the notebook of every talent scout: Kevin Leone. In Italy, Milan and Juve are monitoring the player, in addition to Wolfsburg in Germany.

Just one year ago, Sampdoria managed to sign the 15-year-old for free from Catania. Then came the UEFA Algarve Tournament, in which the attacking midfielder led Italy by scoring two goals in three games.

As a result of this, he attracted the interest of the big clubs. Milan and Juventus came knocking and thus Sampdoria immediately starting working on securing the player. Speaking to Di Marzio, Leone’s agent revealed the demand set by the club.

“The conditions set by Sampdoria to negotiate a deal for the player start at €5m. Of course, this figure doesn’t just refer to Kevin’s value, but rather must be within a market operation that may involve other players from the first team,” he stated.

Pioli reveals why he changed Milan’s system to a 4-2-3-1; praises impact of Ibrahimovic

Stefano Pioli has lifted the lid on why he chose to change AC Milan’s system, and described the impact Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made since arriving.

There have been a marked improvement in performances under Pioli since his arrival in October, when he took over from Marco Giampaolo who lasted just seven games in charge.

The general consensus is that Pioli was brought in to stabilise between then and the end of the current season, and that is what he has done to a large extent.

Nonetheless, speculation regarding his future at Milan continues, with a number of different outlets believing that CEO Ivan Gazidis and the club’s owners Elliott Management wish to go in a new director by appointing Ralf Rangnick as Pioli’s successor this summer.
Pioli spoke during a video call (from home) on the MyAiac website, the platform of the Italian Coaches Association, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.

“My team must play a football that dictates and that does not allow itself to be dictated to,” he began.

“With the 4-3-3 we played excellent games, commanding the game as we want to do. But at some point there was a lack of quality in wide players, we didn’t have the chance to have a positive one on one.

“And then the arrival of an offensive player like Ibrahimovic led me to change my situation and move on to 4-2-3-1. No system guarantees you victory but making the best use of the characteristics of the players is very important for every coach. Rebic? He returned from the Christmas break in excellent mental and physical conditions.”

“Ibrahimovic wins all duels. I put Zlatan on the first line, the one closest to the goalkeeper, on the front post. Our commitment -mine and the staff – is to create a method of work that allows players to assimilate as much knowledge and skills as possible, and put them into a game organization, where the individual talent is strengthened and enhanced.”

MERCATO NEWS
Tuttosport: Blow for Real Madrid, Juventus as Donnarumma tells Milan he wants to renew
By Oliver Fisher - 26 April 2020, 11:05
Gianluigi Donnarumma has reportedly communicated to the AC Milan management his desire to renew his contract and stay at the club.

It has been reported for months now how the Rossoneri face a crossroads regarding the future of their prized young goalkeeper, just as they did back in 2017.

With his deal set to run out Milan must either agree a renewal or sell him this summer, so as not to risk letting him leave for free in a year’s time, with Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG and Chelsea all linked by various outlets.

According to Sunday’s edition of Tuttosport though (via MilanLive), the 21-year-old has contacted the Milan management – in particular CEO Ivan Gazidis – to let them know he wants to stay at Milan.

However, he has set out a certain condition: he will say yes to the contract renewal if the club does not reduce his salary from the current €6m-a-year, a request which seems fair given that the aforementioned clubs would surely be able to offer more.

Donnarumma therefore still gives priority to Milan as he is happy at the club, he is a top player in the team and would happily sign an extension, provided they do not try to reduce his salary.

The decision is now up to Gazidis and the owners Elliott Management, who wanted to reduce the wage bill.

*AC Milan are interested in a move for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan this summer, a report claims, but they face strong competition.*


There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Rossoneri’s rearguard ahead of next season, with doubts about the futures of centre-back duo Simon Kjaer (on loan from Sevilla) and Mateo Musacchio, as well as even Leo Duarte.

It was reported by MilanNews over the weekend that Milan have set their sights on Simakan, a 19-year-old who plays for Strasbourg, with contacts held between Milan and the player’s entourage.

This season, the defender has played 25 games in all comps and the report added that his price tag is rather low: just over €10m. Once the Coronavirus emergency is over, negotiations could start with the French side.

However, according to the latest from *French outlet RMC Sport (via @acmilan_fr on Twitter), Milan face competition from Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham for his signature.*

The player has a preference and *would like to move to Germany*, with Strasbourg having set a €15m base asking price to even enter into negotiations.

*AC Milan could sell two midfielders in order to raise the money required to offer Gianluigi Donnarumma a renewal, a report claims.*

According to Monday’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanLive), Milan have come up with a strategy which means they may not have to lose arguably the best player in their squad.

The paper claims that midfield duo Lucas Paquetá and Frank Kessie *could both be sacrificed to finance the stay of the Rossoneri goalkeeper*, whose will – the newspaper assures – is to stay at Milan.

The knot, however, is his salary: €6million net at present and almost €11.5m gross – *a very high figure for the limits imposed by Elliott who would like to set a maximum salary of €2.5million.*

The salary item, after the cuts of last January, responds to 80 million euros. Which means that *Donnarumma alone weighs 14% of the entire Rossoneri group.*

The solution could precisely come from the midfield, with Lucas Biglia and Giacomo Bonaventura set to leave. As for Paquetá, the club would like to sell regardless, with Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo and Benfica interested.

As for Kessie, the player is particularly appreciated in the Premier League. His agent spoke of a possible future still at Milanello, but the management is ready to evaluate his transfer even without the Donnarumma issue.

It has been reported that Milan are asking for €35m for Paqueta, while Kessie could leave for €25m.

AC Milan are one of many clubs in the running to sign teenage Wisla Krakow star Aleksander Buksa, according to a report.

Tuttomercatoweb (via MilanLive) are reporting that chief scout Geoffrey Moncada has set his sights upon Buksa, a 17-year-old striker who has scored three goals in 14 appearances for the Polish side so far this season.

However, a number of Europe’s other elite sides are also chasing Buksa, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter, Atalanta, Roma and Sassuolo.

He has been nicknames the ‘new Lewandowski’ by some, as he is good with both feet and can assert himself physically, plus he is capable of contributing in the build up as well as being deadly inside the penalty area.

Buska not long ago said: “In my opinion the best league in the world at the moment is the Premier League, but I don’t have a favorite team or league.”

The report notes how his brother Adam moved to Italy to join Novara in 2013 but after a year he returned to Poland, and since January 2020 he has been in the United States with the New England Revolution.