Alexis Saelemaekers has spoken of his desire to kick on and progress with Bologna in a feature interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday morning, although, he did imply that he may still have been a Milan player had Paolo Maldini not left this summer.
Saelemaekers joined the Rossoblu on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy from Milan during the transfer window, having endured a tough time on a personal level the seasons prior at San Siro.
The Belgian told La Gazzetta that Bologna coach Thiago Motta was able to put a smile back on his face, beginning with their first interaction.
“I’ve never spoken with a coach like that before,” Saelemakers said. “I had lost that joy, in the last year with Milan, I didn’t have much confidence or minutes on the pitch.
“He told me that I would be an important player for him. It was a simple thing that brought my smile back.”
Praised for his versatility, Saelemaekers was asked how many roles he has now had to cover on the pitch, joking that he could be Bologna’s answer to Olivier Giroud if he were to be called upon.
“Even as a goalkeeper,” he laughed. “Now Motta knows, if there’s a situation like there was with Milan and Giroud, I’m there. I’ve been the right-back, left-back, a midfielder, attacking midfielder, a winger here and there, centre-forward and in goal. Just don’t put me in central defence.”
The 24-year-old was then asked to explain what he meant when he said in a previous interview that he would still be a Milan player if Maldini was still there.
His answer: “Before he left, he and I spoke and he told me that he absolutely did not want me to give up at Milan, that’s all. “
Then, Saelemaekers spoke of his goals while with Bologna.
“I want to win again. When I arrived at Milan aged 20, there was a similar situation to the one I see here at Bologna. All things considered, it’s a good team with lots of exciting young players, some experienced players and a common desire to grow and progress.
“I hope it happens here too, I certainly believe that this is a strong team. As a club, I see a great desire to progress.”
The final question was what, specifically, he hoped to achieve with Bologna and on a personal level.
He replied: “Europe for us, and to keep a smile on my face for me.”