Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi has revealed that he has a soft spot for Milan because of how vital the Rossoneri were for his development as a player.
De Zerbi has been linked with a move to Inter in recent weeks, with Simone Inzaghi’s job under threat. There has been talk of contact having been made between the Nerazzurri and De Zerbi’s agent in Barcelona.
The Italian recently spoke to Sportmediaset and he revealed an admiration for Milan, despite links with Inter. He stated: “I grew up at Milan, I lived for three years at Milanello and my football training comes from Milan, the real one. My football education comes from the Milan of Baresi, Tassotti, Maldini, Boban, Savicevic and Costacurta. I am a fan of Brescia but I am grateful to Milan for what they have given me given and for how they raised me. I always have an eye for Milan.”
De Zerbi also spoke about his future and the links with both Roma and the Nerazzurri, saying that he wants to stay at Brighton for the time being.
“My story tells: I don’t move depending on important requests or not. Inter or Roma? I have not spoken with anyone, but I think that at this moment for my path, for my life, it is important to stay here. I had to leave Shakhtar after eight months of work and I did it begrudgingly and to leave Brighton after the same amount of time would feel like not completing the job. My will is to stay, then I’ll have to talk to the club and confront each other to understand what they expect, what they want, what their ambitions are.”
In the interview, De Zerbi also went on to hail the Premier League as the best league in the world and described Serie A as a tactical league.
“The Premier League I think is the best league in Europe in general. Serie A is very tactical and very difficult to prepare for because of the tactical difficulties. The German league is also very tactical and with many good coaches while the French league is very physical. The English one is a combination of everything, it is a very physical league where there are very strong players, the best players around.”
Brighton’s next clash could be the biggest game of De Zerbi’s career as they take on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. A win could see the Seagulls take on Manchester City in the final of the competition.
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
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