Milan midfielder Rade Krunic was interviewed by Serie A to speak about his Rossoneri career to date, his unique role in the team, and playing in the Champions League.
Milan Career
In 2019, a Bosnian midfielder joined Milan after 4 seasons at Empoli. And now Rade Krunic is a fundamental part of Stefano Pioli’s tactical plans.
“All of us who’ve been working together for many years have been improving every year. For me personally, I think I’ve developed so much as a person and, above all, as a player.”
“I think we still have so much room for improvement, particularly for the players younger than me. I feel particularly proud of myself and everything I’ve achieved at AC Milan. I’ve shown everyone I’m an AC Milan player.”
Unique Role
Finding the net isn’t what Krunic is about. The versatile 29-year-old has a rare ability that has won him quite a reputation among his teammates.
“I think that now people sometimes call me the balance-maker, I can say that I see myself in that role. I’m trying to strike the balance between attacking and defensive play, while always helping the team.”
“For example, I ensure the opposition can’t break easily if we go forward in numbers, but I stay back. If I see we aren’t getting forward or just a few players are, I can push up.”
“I always try to understand where my teammates are and what the team needs, of course. There are others who score and get assists. They take care of that for me.”
Champions League Success
After winning the League title in 2022, this season the Rossoneri are shining brightly in the Champions League.
“It’s something new for so many of us. It was special even to play in the round of 16 for me, then the quarters and now we have the semi-finals. It’s something new and maybe it will also be very stressful, but we train hard every day to play in these games and I don’t think there’s anything better.”
“The aim since the start of the season has always been the Scudetto. We always aim high. There were games we should’ve won, but we didn’t do so, so I think Champions League qualification is now our target as a team because AC Milan have to be in the Champions League and we have to achieve our goal.”