Kjaer: If Eriksen left I'd have quit, Milan can win the league again | OneFootball

Ten months after bidding farewell to playing football, Simon Kjaer reflected on the most intense moments of his career and the prospects that await him, in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kjaer shares his story: “If Eriksen had left us, I would have quit. Now I think about the future, but Milan can become champions again”

His words offer a deep insight not only into the man and the former defender, but also into his bond with Milan and Denmark, as well as a clear vision of the current Rossoneri landscape.

The episode that changed his life forever

Kjaer revisits Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest, an event that indelibly marked his human and professional journey. “June 12, 2021, changed everything. If Christian had left us, I would not have played anymore. I realized that football is work and passion, but life is something else,” he stated.

While avoiding constantly reliving those images, the Dane acknowledges how the trauma still leaves traces: “A few days ago, during my son's match, a boy fractured his wrist and the ambulance came onto the field. I felt strange. As long as Christian is well, I will be well.”

Kjaer emphasizes how the memory of those moments is fragmented: “There were 40 of us on that field. I no longer know which memories are mine and which have been reconstructed together with others.”

The love for Milan and a decision matured over time

His deep relationship with the Rossoneri club: “I am a fan of Milan and Denmark. I respect other teams, but it's different,” he declared.

The decision to retire came gradually: “I knew since September 2023 that Milan would not renew my contract. I had other opportunities, but I would have had to make too many compromises.”

The biggest regret? The environment, the people: “I miss my friends and teammates.”

Today's Milan according to Kjaer

On the new Rossoneri course led by Allegri, Kjaer has no doubts: “Milan has returned to being Milan. If you bring in Modric and Rabiot, you bring back experience, a quality that is too underrated today. For me, they can win the championship because they have the right coach. Today you know who's in charge.”

On the previous season, he is more cautious: “There were too many changes at all levels. I won't add more: I would have to talk about things I know through friends, and they are confidential matters.”

The individuals: Gabbia and Leao

Great esteem for Matteo Gabbia: “It's hard to find a more professional player. He is always ready to sacrifice for Milan.”

Clear words also on Rafael Leao: “Rafa can be one of the best in the world. If he learned a bit from Gabbia… Dembélé won the Ballon d'Or and Rafa can be at the same level. But he needs to grow by 1% every day.”

Kjaer does not hide that Leao needs guidance: “He can't do it alone. Few can. He needs a coach and a club to help him. He is 26 years old: at 29 it will be too late. It's now or never.”

Towards the derby: balance and memories

In view of the city derby, the former defender analyzes the game: “Inter plays at home? Then I say 60-40 for Inter. On the field, there is balance.”

A personal anecdote enriches the story: “In 2008, Inter was interested in signing me and Real had made an offer to Midtjylland. Then Palermo took me.”

The present and the future: between Midtjylland and new ambitions

Today Kjaer is part of the Midtjylland board: “We changed a coach who hadn't lost in 18 matches because we wanted to grow. There is a great hunger.”

On his professional future, he maintains an open perspective: “I need to understand if I want to be a sporting director, general manager, or something else. Some aspects of football I don't like.”

And he looks ahead with realism: “Where will I be in five years? I hope working for a club. Maybe doing what I'm doing with Midtjylland, but in Italy. I don't know if it will be possible at Milan. I will do something that interests me. If not in football, elsewhere.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.