Youssouf Fofana, the 25-year-old French midfielder for AC Milan, remains optimistic about the team’s Scudetto chances. In a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Fofana shared his thoughts on various topics, including the upcoming match against Juventus, Milan’s title aspirations, and his personal journey.
Regarding the Juventus match, Fofana said, “Last year I watched the game against Juventus on TV, especially because there were many French players. Thiago Motta is an excellent coach, he did a great job at Bologna qualifying for the Champions League. This year he has more quality in the squad, and it’s normal that he’s taking them higher. It will be a hard-fought match, the best will win. It’s like a derby with a lot of intensity on the field and in the stands.”
On Milan’s Scudetto ambitions, Fofana stated, “We would like to be higher in the standings. We’ve had some less positive results, but it means we can improve a lot while remaining less exposed. When we start to give continuity to our play and results, they will have to reckon with us. I believe in Coach Fonseca’s work and in the quality of my teammates. Are we aiming for the Scudetto? Of course, we are Milan. Milan must play for the Scudetto every year.”
Fofana also spoke about his adaptation to Italian football: “I settled in quickly because I knew the project I accepted with maximum availability for the coach who gave me space. I like Serie A, it’s different from Ligue 1 where in every team there are two or three individuals and once blocked you can dominate. In Italy, all teams follow a tactical strategy until the final whistle, and it becomes more difficult.”
Discussing his role under Fonseca, Fofana explained, “He asks me for balance, to be the link between defense and attack, to be the first to set up the play and the first to defend, occupying the spaces left by my teammates, being a team that moves a lot. I’m the one who moves the least, filling the gaps, as a player in the shadows.”
Fofana also expressed gratitude towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “From the very beginning, he explained the project to me and the importance of Milan for him and Serie A. He cares a lot about the new course, he’s very present and positive. Before matches, he always gives us a couple of tips. He transmits confidence to us.”
Reflecting on his past, Fofana shared, “Ten years ago I was without a team, I always think about it: it helps me keep my feet on the ground. I delivered pizzas, it helped me learn rigor and discipline in work and earn my first money. Now I always leave a tip for riders, I know it’s important.”
Finally, Fofana spoke about his role models: “I’m inspired by Yaya Touré or Ndombele. The Ballon d’Or to Rodri? I would have given it to Vinicius, but Rodri deserves it for what he’s been doing for three, four seasons now with Manchester City. He’s complete, he defends, scores goals and assists. When he plays, the team doesn’t lose.”
