Former Milan full-back Cafu believes Alvaro Morata and Emerson Royal can help the Rossoneri out of their recent run of form. Milan face city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina this weekend, and speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Brazilian international previewed the game and what he expects from his former side:
Cafu, how does it feel to still be so loved?
“Very good. It’s always pleasant to see that people feel affection towards you. It means I did well here. One thing is certain: the Milan fans love me at least as much as I love them.”
Are you in shape for today’s game in Tbilisi?
“When it comes to playing for charitable causes, I’m always there. I left Brazil and here I am… Milan is a club with a big heart and it shows with initiatives like this. And then it will be nice to embrace Kaladze (he’s the mayor of Tbilisi and will lead the Georgian Legends on the field) and all my former teammates.”
You won a lot with Kala and the others.
“Yes, we’ve lifted many trophies, but the most beautiful thing that remains from those years is the friendship with these guys. Every time we meet again, it’s emotional. We’re still a family.”
Was Ancelotti the father of this family?
“Yes, Papa Carlo (laughs). It was a pleasure to be coached by him: he’s an exceptional coach who was fundamental for many Milan triumphs. He always knew what to say in the locker room to transmit calmness before an important match. It doesn’t surprise me that he continues to win: as a coach, he’s the best in the world, but above all, he’s a great person. My compatriots Vinicius, Rodrigo, and Endrick are lucky to have him in Madrid.”
You’ve won many derbies. Which one do you remember with the most pleasure?
“The one we won coming from behind in my first year in Milan. Because we were losing 2-0, we turned the result around, and at the end of the season, we won the Scudetto.”
Who was the toughest opponent among the Nerazzurri?
“Zanetti. The confrontations with him were beautiful because he pushed a lot and I did the same. It was a battle… between giants, but always with respect.”
Do you follow Milan from Brazil?
“Yes, often. I didn’t expect such a difficult start, but there’s time to recover and I’m convinced this team will earn many points. The derby in this sense is a very important match: by winning it, Milan can catch up with Inter and re-enter the fight for the Scudetto. I believe in it.”
What kind of match do you expect?
“Tough because we’ll face (he says it just like that) a strong team, but we must win to climb the rankings. If the Nerazzurri beat us, it will be more complicated to recover and that’s why I say we need to do well.”
Everyone says Inter is the favorite. Do you agree?
“The standings say this, but the derby is… the derby, that is, an unpredictable encounter that can change the season.”
If you could take one player away from Inzaghi, who would you choose?
“Lautaro. He has goals in his DNA.”
Among the Rossoneri, who do you bet on?
“Morata was a great acquisition. If he’s served properly, he’ll score a lot this season. Let’s hope also in the derby.”
Emerson Royal admitted that his idol has always been Cafu. What encouragement do you feel like sending him?
“He’s very good and, even though he played little at Tottenham, I’m convinced he’ll do very well at Milan. He’s young and if he breaks through, he can give a lot to the team because he has strength, grit, and ‘garra’.”
Inzaghi’s three-man defense, at this moment, gives much more guarantees than Fonseca’s four-man defense.
“In a tactical game like this, the details are decisive and I’m convinced that Fonseca will find the right move.”
Who will win the Scudetto?
“I hope Milan, but, besides Inter, watch out for Juve. Thiago Motta is good.”
