Brahim Diaz explains how COVID affected his campaign, helping Milan win the Scudetto and why they must ‘believe in ourselves’ at Champions League level.
The Spain international is heading into his third season at San Siro on loan from Real Madrid, who have a buy-back option on the midfielder.
It was by no means his best campaign, and he was never quite the same player after recovering from COVID, but still helped the Rossoneri win the Scudetto.
“We knew that we had a very talented squad and could write history, which in the end is what we did,” Brahim Diaz told Diario AS.
“It’s a young squad, so it’s only natural that many did not see us as favourites. We created undoubtedly a unique chemistry between the players, club and fans. We all started to believe towards the end and the result was a surprise to us too.”
Milan were in part aided by going out of the Champions League in the group stage and therefore having nothing else to focus on in 2022, but they don’t want to repeat that.
“I expect to see a team more confident of its capabilities, who is dreaming of its 20th Scudetto and do better in Europe.
“We’ve got a squad that has youth and experience, at a club that knows what the Champions League represents more than any other. We won an important title, we improved and earned our place in Pot 1 of the draw, so we must believe in ourselves.”
Due to his experiences at Manchester City and Real Madrid, Brahim Diaz became only the third player – and the youngest overall – to win the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A.
“I felt really sharp at the start of the season and proved what I could do as a player, but then COVID left me out of action for over a month and caused some physical problems. I felt better as time wore on.”
Brahim Diaz was asked to pick the moment Milan really turned the Scudetto race and chose their 2-1 victory over Inter.
“I came on when we were trailing 1-0 and remember with pride helping the team to turn that result around for a 2-1 victory.”