MILANELLO – Christian Abbiati spoke to the Milan Channel earlier today about his feelings after saying farewell to the fans at the San Siro over the weekend ahead of his retirement:

“It’s impossible to describe the feelings I felt. Seeing the result, I thought the fans might leave, but instead they stayed behind and that made me immensely happy. It was really moving to also see my family and friends out on the pitch, it was indescribable. I had agreed with the coach that I would come on in the final minutes. The coach asked me if I wanted to start the match, but I didn’t think I had the right concentration levels for a game as important as Roma at home, so I asked him to bring me on in the final five minutes, if possible. But I was then the first to ask him not to bring me on. I have so many feelings right now, it fills me with pride to think that I was part of a great Milan era, from 2003 onwards, with immense stars and a great coach. They were fabulous years in which we won everything. We have to focus first of all on the final of the cup which is massively important. I would really like to lift the trophy at the end of the match and finish with silverware. After the holidays I will talk with Adriano Galliani about my future. I will certainly dedicate myself to my passion for Harley Davidsons. We have to forget about the Roma game and we now have to show what we’re made of, pride and respect for this jersey and this club, which has given us a huge opportunity. I am confident my team-mates will put in a great performance on Saturday. Juventus are a top team, but we have to go into the game hungrier and try and bring home this trophy which means so much. I will continue to thank the fans for the rest of my life. I will always keep Milan in my heart. Forza Milan! Always!”