MILANELLO – This is what Christian Abbiati had to say in an exclusive interview at the Milan Channel at the end of the morning session:

“I had a lot of hair in that game, but I remember all quite well. I remember Costacurta’s pat on my back after a save. It is a memory I will always keep in my heart. For me wearing a Milan shirt was a dream, after my hard work to stand out. And just think that at the end of that season we also won the title. Maldini, Costacurta, Albertini, Seba Rossi, they all helped me quite a lot. I entered on tiptoe into the dressing-room, I was so shy and scared. I first spoke to Maldini after six months. This is still a neat memory to me.

I have a good relationship with young goalkeepers. I try to teach them important things, but I also joke with them. What is essential is that we are compact. If Gigio does well, we are all happy. He has a great potential, really huge. If I can advise him, I’m happy to do it. Yesterday he was so serious when he started training, and I told him to laugh. It is human to make mistakes, also stars make mistakes.

All the teams who face Milan do their utmost. Unfortunately they all come to the San Siro to make their life game. Once they came with the idea of limiting the damage. This mentality has to be restored. We must collect three points to continue our run towards the sixth place. We had a grip on it until last Sunday, and now the next two games are crucial to be certain to clinch a spot for Europe.

The TIM Cup? We know that if we won it, apart from the trophy, we could get access to the European Cups. We have to fight for the sixth place, to secure the access through the Serie A. For Brocchi it is not easy. He has an idea of ball possession which is not easy to convey players at this stage and in such a rush, but we are trying to improve what he is asking us. Time is not on our side, we have to show on the pitch all what we learn from him.

I’m happy about Atletico Madrid. They started a project and are carring it out well. Two finals within 3 years are a great result, I hope they can win the Champions League. I still have some friends in their coaching staff and management. If I have the chance, I’ll go to see the match. My wish for next season? To return to the European spot and win the TIM Cup”.