Adrien Rabiot admits Rafael Leao is ‘working exhausting’ and notes he even made ‘sliding tackles’ in a 1-0 win over Inter and hopes Mike Maignan ‘continues to develop at Milan’ by signing a contract extension.
Throughout his interview with La dello Sport, by which he , Milan star Rabiot additionally spoke about a few of his teammates and Sunday’s win over metropolis rivals Inter.
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“It was a particular match for Milan and the followers. It was nice to win my first derby at San Siro, and I’m pleased with how we performed. These three factors gave us much more confidence,” he mentioned.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale is challenged by Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
Maignan was the MOTM towards Inter and saved a penalty kick from Hakan Calhanoglu within the second half.
The goalkeeper’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2026, however Rabiot hopes to proceed taking part in along with his compatriot at Milan for the years to return.
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“I hope so, like everybody in Milan. Maignan is a unprecedented goalkeeper, and there aren’t many like him on the earth,” mentioned the midfielder.
“He’s essential for us, and Mike loves the Rossoneri shirt. I’m not stepping into the negotiations between him and the membership administration, however I hope he continues to develop right here, with a coach like Allegri inside this group.”
One other French participant, Christopher Nkunku, joined the Rossoneri final summer time: “He’s gifted and has already proven it prior to now,” mentioned Rabiot.
“I do know him as a result of we grew up collectively, he, Mike and I. He arrived from Chelsea out of form and must adapt to a tough league like Serie A. Now, he’s doing properly bodily, and he’s motivated.”
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Barely a month in the past, Rabiot had however the Portuguese ace has been exhibiting some regular enhancements in current weeks.
“He works very exhausting; he even made some sliding tackles within the derby to win the ball again,” famous Rabiot.
“It’s nice to see a expertise like him sacrifice himself for the group. In comparison with after I was at Juve, he has improved a lot.”
Luka Modric is one other key participant within the Milan squad.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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“He’s a easy individual; he loves soccer like a baby. I really feel comfy with him in central midfield. He has high quality, imaginative and prescient, however he additionally contributes quite a bit to successful the ball again, operating and going exhausting when wanted,” mentioned Rabiot.
“He’s a unprecedented participant, and even at 40, he amazes me with the will he places in each single coaching session and match. I love him quite a bit. I hope I’ll nonetheless have his ardour at his age.”
On Saturday, the Rossoneri host Lazio at San Siro, so Rabiot will reunite along with his ex-Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri.
“It will likely be good to see him once more. At Juventus, we went via a specific season. I performed little or no originally, however after COVID, I used to be all the time a starter, and we received the Scudetto. Sarri is a superb coach.
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“I’ve an essential season forward, by which I can win with Milan and France. I hope I handle to go and play all the best way to the World Cup Last.
“Italy? The play-offs are robust, however I hope Italy can qualify as a result of they have to be on the World Cup.”