Milan defender Pierre Kalulu revealed that when he spoke to Paolo Maldini about joining Milan, he realised his dream could become a reality. The 21-year-old joined the Rossoneri in 2020 and has become a key part of the first team.
Speaking to Carlo Pellegatti at StarCasino, Kalulu explained how many teams were interested in him, but he only wanted to join Milan:
It was a strange moment. I knew there were great teams interested, then I saw Milan … when Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara called me, I understood that perhaps the dream could become a reality.
For me, I have improved in the mental aspect of my game, the concentration and the desire to always win. I always want to show that I’m strong. People have told me that this thing is very Italian, perhaps because I always trust myself and I say that I have done everything to have all this. So I play without pressure and I want to do it well.
Maldini? He is always at Milanello. He talks to me and gives me advice, he is an important person. When you can learn from these players you are always happy, it is a rewarding thing.
Position? During my career it is always a question that coaches have asked me. I do everything to be strong and to play either full back or central defender, the important thing is to be in the starting XI.
Pioli? The coach is close to us, he is a person who helps you on your personal appearance. When you arrive at Milan and you are young it helps you a lot, for me he will always be a coach different from the others: he gave me my start, and for this, I will remember him forever.”
