Ignazio Abate has tipped Milan to bounce back and remembered how their Chinese owners made him ‘feel like a stranger in my own home’.
Milan were taken over by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong in 2017, amidst much fanfare as he oversaw a recruitment drive of over €200m that summer.
However, it soon emerged that Li had borrowed €303m to buy the Rossoneri, and he ended up defaulting on the loan.
Ignazio Abate has tipped Milan to bounce back and remembered how their Chinese owners made him ‘feel like a stranger in my own home’.
Milan were taken over by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong in 2017, amidst much fanfare as he oversaw a recruitment drive of over €200m that summer.
However, it soon emerged that Li had borrowed €303m to buy the Rossoneri, and he ended up defaulting on the loan.
“I leave behind a Milan side who have all the components to aspire to more important objectives,” Abate told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They have solid foundations in place, a squad with technical and mental qualities. I see a rosy future, even if two or three specific targets are needed to compete.
“I agree with what Gattuso said: young players are fine, but you also need players with experience and depth. They can no longer gamble.
“Let’s say that my dream was to end my career with the Rossoneri, but life goes on. I talked to Leonardo about my future in October and he was absolutely honest with me.
“He talked to me clearly and I knew the road ahead of me very quickly. Then, of course, over the year I tried to make things difficult for him!
“I was incredulous when Berlusconi left. I thought it would never happen. I grew up with him and Galliani, who was a second father to me.
“The worst thing about the Chinese owners was feeling like a stranger in your own home. I even thought about leaving.
“There was nothing left of the Milan I knew. It was all twisted.”
The 32-year-old recently left the Diavolo, 306 games and one Scudetto later, and he was asked whether he would return one day.
“Only a fool would say ‘no’ but, as Gattuso says, you need to earn your stripes. After playing I see myself behind a desk, maybe as a sporting director.”