Rabiot notes big Leao change and has Maignan transfer hope

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan scores his crew’s second objective in the course of the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)

Adrien Rabiot admits Rafael Leao is ‘working arduous’ 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 Gazzetta dello Sport, through which he praised his coach Allegri, Milan star Rabiot additionally spoke about a few of his teammates and Sunday’s win over metropolis rivals Inter.

“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 stated.

Maignan was the MOTM in opposition to 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 enjoying together with his compatriot at Milan for the years to return.

“I hope so, like everybody in Milan. Maignan is a unprecedented goalkeeper, and there aren’t many like him on this planet,” stated 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 season: “He’s proficient and has already proven it prior to now,” stated Rabiot.

“I do know him as a result of we grew up collectively, he, Mike and I. He arrived from Chelsea out of practice and must adapt to a tough league like Serie A. Now, he’s doing properly bodily, and he’s motivated.”

Barely a month in the past, Rabiot had warned his teammate Leao that he was “not younger” however the Portuguese ace has been exhibiting some regular enhancements in current weeks.

“He works very arduous; 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 crew. In comparison with after I was at Juve, he has improved a lot.”

Luka Modric is one other key participant within the Milan squad.

“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 rather a lot to profitable the ball again, operating and going arduous when wanted,” stated 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 like him rather a lot. I hope I’ll nonetheless have his ardour at his age.”

On Saturday, the Rossoneri host Lazio at San Siro, so Rabiot will reunite together with his ex-Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri.

“Will probably be good to see him once more. At Juventus, we went via a selected season. I performed little or no originally, however after COVID, I used to be at all times a starter, and we received the Scudetto. Sarri is a good coach.

“I’ve an vital season forward, through which I can win with Milan and France. I hope I handle to go and play all the best way to the World Cup Remaining.

“Italy? The play-offs are powerful, however I hope Italy can qualify as a result of they have to be on the World Cup.”

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