Former striker unimpressed by AC Milan defender advises club to sign world class midfielder
AC Milan former Jean-Pierre Papin talks about Kalulu, Maldini, Ibrahimovic and advises the Rossoneri to sign Renato Sanches.
Former AC Milan striker Jean-Pierre Papin was interviewed by Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti. The French legend who won the Ballon d’Or played with the Rossoneri for two years, winning two times the Scudetto and once the Champions League.
Papin started his interview talking about his compatriot Pierre Kalulu. “Kalulu is the one I know least, I haven’t seen him play that much. But when I saw him he always played well, either scoring or assisting. He is not an impressive player, but over the length of the season he is always consistent“.
Papin advises AC Milan to do all they can to sign Renato Sanches. The Portuguese midfielder is considered by the Rossoneri management as the ideal replacement for Franck Kessie. Finding an agreement with Lille is not a problem but personal terms with the player have been an obstacle so far.
“For me Renato Sanches is a world class player. Already when he went to Bayern Munich he had done incredible things for his age. Then he got lost a bit because he no longer played, he needed continuity. At Lille he showed his full potential. He is a box to box midfielder, he always runs, he is always aggressive on the ball carrier. Sanches is also capable of making assists and goals. He always runs everywhere on the pitch“, said Papain.
The French striker did not spare praise about his former teammate Paolo Maldini. “Paolo gave me something that you no longer see in today’s football. In training and in matches he was always at 200%, there are no more players like that. I see him often, he has been a friend, he is always a friend. He did an interview for the thirty years of my Ballon d’Or win and he paid me an incredible compliment, I thank you very much. A friend like him is unique“.
Papin ends his interview talking about Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “There is only one Ibra, who is still capable of being good. But when you arrive at a certain moment it is difficult to continue… I’m sure you always have the desire, but the body no longer follows.“
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