Pierre Kalulu swore his love for Milan and suggested that he’s willing to sign a contract renewal with the club.
The 21-year-old French defender has become a regular feature of Stefano Pioli’s squad this season following the injury to Simon Kjaer, and he has grown defensively as the campaign has progressed. The former Lyon man has made 17 Serie A appearances, for a total of 948 minutes.
Speaking to Eurosport, Kalulu first discussed how he is already ready to feature for Milan.
“Since January I have played a series of games, thanks to some absences. But this is football. I’m always ready. When you are in a club like Milan, which is an institution, you must always feel like a starter.
“When you are called on the pitch, you have to be there. I think everyone thinks of themselves in this way, and so do I.”
He touched on his role within the Rossoneri.
“In reality my preferences change depending on the match, the composition of the team, the opponent…. Everything depends on how you have to play.
“Everything can vary depending on the face of the game and what is required of me. I have no preferences. During my training at Lyon, I was already very ‘bouncy’.”
The 21-year-old Frenchman commented on the transfer market rumours and the confidence of Paolo Maldini.
“As far as rumours are concerned, we are used to them. Since I’ve been at Milan it’s always been the same in every market window, and this time it was the defender… We adapt.
“But it’s obvious that when I see certain statements, it gives me great pleasure, especially when they come from a legend. It’s gratifying.”
Kalulu discussed the importance of Swedish veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“He still has a very important place in the locker room and on the pitch, even this season he has scored so many goals. We can say that it is mainly thanks to him that we are on the right path today.
“Now it’s up to us to show that we understand what he was trying to convey. When he comes back, we’ll be even stronger.”
The Frenchman touched on if Mike Maignan is the best goalkeeper in Serie A this season.
“For me, after the first half of the season, the answer is yes. He was able to save us when necessary. His footwork impresses me every day, he just provided an assist. Mike has behaved like a leader from the moment he arrived, even when he didn’t speak the language.
“He doesn’t hesitate to say what he has to say, to direct us. He is a player with a strong work ethic. Just seeing him makes you want to follow him. We can say that he is a natural leader, on the field and in words.
“Moreover, he has the experience of having won before. He knows what to do to achieve success. And if he also starts providing assists.”
He spoke about the French national team and how a call-up would feel.
“The Bleus are a dream. We are talking about the world champion team, with great players… If I get there, it means I’ll have had a good season with Milan. It would be a reward for hard work. When you work and you’re at a club like this, you prepare for these kinds of moments. We work for this.”
The Milan defender discussed the title race this season.
“Everything can turn around very quickly. We saw that in the derby. Last season was positive, even very positive, but in the end we didn’t win anything. Personally I want to win something this year.”
Finally, Kalulu discussed a possible contract renewal with the Rossoneri.
“I feel good here and I have adapted perfectly to the club. I speak the language quite well and I feel at ease in everyday life. I want to do good things with Milan and I want to stay. There is no reason to want to leave.”
#Kalulu: 'Rinnovo? Voglio restare a lungo al #Milan. #Maldini un mito, #Maignan il miglior portiere. Su Adli…' https://t.co/yJPyeRtNMZ pic.twitter.com/9GxpSYmhWi
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) February 19, 2022
This boy is a gem.
@Milan Fan
Yes!