Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi has confessed his spell at Milan ‘was over before it even began’ and that he is ‘crazy’ about Nicolo Zaniolo.
Acerbi joined Milan in the summer of 2012, just a week after Thiago Silva departed for Paris Saint-Germain, but he played just 10 times for the Rossoneri, in a stint marked by depression and alcoholism.
“I was already skidding before I joined Milan,” he said on Instagram.
Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi has confessed his spell at Milan ‘was over before it even began’ and that he is ‘crazy’ about Nicolo Zaniolo.
Acerbi joined Milan in the summer of 2012, just a week after Thiago Silva departed for Paris Saint-Germain, but he played just 10 times for the Rossoneri, in a stint marked by depression and alcoholism.
“I was already skidding before I joined Milan,” he said on Instagram.
“I went to Milan but I wasn’t thinking about just football. After that my father died, so my spell there was over before it even began. I’m very sorry about it.
“It’s better to have few years less of a career and become the person I am today than to have a career, stop playing football and be a mess.”
The 32-year-old was denied a record 150th successive Serie A appearance in January 2019, when he was sent off against Napoli.
“I didn't think about the record, only that I left the lads down to 10. Further down the line, we played Milan. [Gianluca] Rocchi said to me, ‘I was wrong, I’m sorry.’
“There was nothing in my first yellow card and a bit more in my second, although he could’ve turned a blind eye.”
Finally, Acerbi revealed he had rejected Leicester City in the past and that he was a big admirer of Roma rival Zaniolo.
“I’ll do everything to be at the Euros. In the past I could’ve gone abroad, to Leicester or Mancini’s Zenit.
“However, Sassuolo’s board were always supportive so I didn’t feel like leaving.
“I’m crazy about Zaniolo: he has a great physique and shot. He’s an animal. Tonali’s also very good. Consistency is what makes the difference.”