Fofana on Ibrahimovic ‘advice’ before Milan games and wrong Ballon d’Or winners

Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana reveals that Zlatan Ibrahimovic always gives the team a couple of advice before games and feels Rodri should have won the Ballon d’Or last season, while Vinicius Jr. deserved it for 2024.

Milan midfielder Fofana released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with France’s national team.

The Rossoneri will meet rivals Juventus at San Siro after the break.

“I watched the game on TV last year because there were many French players,” he said.

“It’s like a derby, with great intensity on the pitch and in the stands.

“Thiago Motta is an excellent coach. He did a great job at Bologna last season, qualifying for the Champions League. This team has a team with more quality, and obviously, he has big targets. It will be a tough game, and the best will win.”

Milan have 18 points this season, eight below table leaders Napoli, but they have a game in hand.

“We want to be higher in the table, and some results were not positive,” admitted the French midfielder.

“This means we have room for improvement if we are less exposed. Once we gain consistency, they’ll have to deal with us. I believe in the coach’s work and my teammates, and I am sure this is the right path.”

Fofana on Ibrahimovic ‘advice’ before Milan games and wrong Ballon d’Or winners

The top six teams are within two points, but Fofana believes Milan can win the title.

“Obviously, we are Milan, and we must play to win the title every season. Give us time to work,” he said.

The 25-year-old joined the Rossoneri from Monaco last summer.

“I knew the project and accepted it because the coach gave me space,” Fofana explained.

“I like Serie A, which is different from Ligue 1 because each team has two or three strong players. All Italian teams follow a precise strategy until the final whistle, and it’s all more complicated.”

What does Milan coach Fonseca expect from Fofana on the pitch?

“Provide balance and link up attack and defence,” the midfielder replied.

“Be the first one to build up and defend, occupying the spaces left void by the teammates. I’m the player who moves less to fill the gaps. I play in the shadow, and I’m getting used to it because it allows me to improve.”

How about Red Bird advisor and Milan legend Ibrahimovic?

“He immediately explained to me the importance of Milan and Serie A,” said Fofana.

“He cares about the new course, he’s always present and positive. He always gives us a couple of advice before games and transmits trust.”

Fofana wasn’t even playing football ten years ago and worked as a pizza delivery man. Does he ever think about it?

“Always. It helps me keep my feet on the ground,” he said.

“I always tell myself I started late, so I must recover and challenge myself each day. It was a valuable experience to learn discipline and earn money for the first time.

“Now, I always tip the riders because I know it’s important. I’ve eaten some good pizzas in Milan, but I prefer to stay home and watch movies.”

Who are his role models on the pitch?

“Yaya Touré or Tanguy Ndombele of Lyon. Generally, players dictating the tempo who know when to pass or keep the ball.”

Spain star Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but Fofana feels things should have been different in the last couple of years.

“I would have given it to Vinicius, but Rodri deserves it for what he’s been doing in the last three or four seasons with Manchester City,” he said.

“He is complete. He defends, scores goals and provides assists. His team does not lose when he plays, but everyone would have been happier if Rodri had won last season and Vini this year.”

Milan won the derby against city rivals Inter in September, and Fofana is looking forward to meeting the Nerazzurri again in 2025.

“Maignan and Theo often talked about it, and I could not wait to play it,” he concluded.

“After what happened in the first leg, I can’t wait to play in the second leg.”