Pellegrino explains why Huracan loan is going well but admits to wanting Milan return | OneFootball

Marco Pellegrino has made it clean that he wishes to return and play for AC Milan, but believes his current loan spell back in his native Argentina is helping him.

Pellegrino arrived at Milan and struggled to play regularly in his first season, so he spent the second half of the campaign with Salernitana, who ended up suffering relegation back to Serie B.

The decision was made during the summer to loan Pellegrino back to his home country as he joined Independiente, but it did not go well. Reports suggested he had been internally suspended by the club and he barely got any minutes.

Thus, in the winter mercato the young centre-back made another switch, cancelling the loan with Independiente and moving to fellow Buenos Aires based side Huracan, with whom he has made six appearances and scored one goal.

Pellegrino did an interview with MilanNews about how his loan spells have gone as well as life away from the field and what his hopes are for the future, including with Milan.

At Huracan you found the playing time you needed, and good performances have followed…

“It’s going well. I’m happy that I’m playing all the games as a starter and my family is happy too. I’m getting some satisfaction, I even scored a goal against Boca Juniors. Yes, I’m happy.”

It’s a positive change of direction after the recent problems with Independiente…

“It was a difficult time at Independiente. But now I’m fine, I’m thinking about training and working well in this team. I’m always mentally focused and the results are coming.”

More Stories / The Match

Sky: Theo Hernandez expected to keep place vs. Torino with Walker a doubt

20 February 2025, 17:00

MN: Milan pursue fourth place as No.1 target – the fixture list and question marks

20 February 2025, 16:10

Bologna star Castro warns Milan ahead of rescheduled fixture and praises Gimenez

20 February 2025, 14:55

Is there less pressure moving from Independiente to Huracan?

“The atmosphere is calmer, I am close to the family. The fans are supporting us. And on Sunday we will have the most heartfelt match for us, which is the derby with San Lorenzo. We will need to be focused, it will be beautiful.”

What is your target?

“Improve in the standings, try to win the league. We want to fight for the top positions.”

What is your personal aim?

“To play all the games, improve and come back stronger to Milan. I would like to return to base.”

What do Milan say?

“That I have to play, that I’m young and I have to gain experience.”

Are you sorry you left the Rossoneri?

“You know, in Milan I probably wouldn’t have had the space I needed. Better to play consistently, gain experience and improve. I have to learn, even from mistakes. And if in the future there is the possibility of returning I will certainly be a more experienced player.”

The six months you spent in red and black were unlucky…

“I played only one game, against Napoli and I got hurt. But training with Theo, Giroud, Maignan was a unique experience, a dream. If I think about it, I want to come back, I want to do it as a stronger player to compete.”

In that Napoli game everything went wrong…

“I didn’t think I’d come on, it all happened too fast. Kalulu gets hurt and Pioli tells me: ‘Marco, go’. Difficult evening, I even got hurt. And I’m sorry that the image the fans have of me is from that match, without me having another chance. I dreamed of playing at San Siro, maybe knowing it in advance to prepare myself mentally.”

Was the leap from Platense to Milan too big?

“There’s certainly a big difference. I remember when they called me I couldn’t believe it, I said to myself: ‘It’s not true’. Obviously when I realized I didn’t think twice about flying to Italy.”

You speak excellent Italian, congratulations. Considering that we still see players who express themselves in another language after several years of living in our country, it is no small feat…

“I tried not to be unprepared, I studied Italian for two months. And day after day, also thanks to the help of my Italian team-mates, such as Calabria and Pobega, I integrated and learned the language.”

On your part, there are also Italian roots, as can be seen from the surname…

“It’s true, my grandfather is from Calabria.”

What was your relationship with Pioli like?

“Pioli is great. He spoke to me every day, encouraged me. He told me to stay calm, to wait and that sooner or later I would play. Then came the injury.”

And to find playing time you went to Salernitana…

“At Milan they told me that if I wanted more space I would have to go elsewhere. The opportunity of Salernitana arose. Complicated months, 3-4 different coaches, we always lost. Of course, I was able to play, gain experience. But it was a complicated situation.”

Are you following Milan?

“Of course. There have been difficult moments, but the market has brought great quality players like Joao Felix and Gimenez.”

With the latter you will be able to speak Spanish…

“We hope to do it soon (laughs).”

What differences have you found with Argentine football?

“The difference is clearly visible. In Serie A they are all strong and physical. But the substantial difference is made by tactics. In Argentina there is no lack of quality, technique. And also speed. But on a tactical level the difference with Italy is notable.”

Which player do you recommend from the Argentine league?

“Franco Mastantuono, attacking midfielder for River Plate. He’s 17 years old, great quality.”

Which players from Serie A have impressed you?

“De Ketelaere has great technique, for me he is a great player. And then Mateo Retegui, too good.”

Which is scarier, La Bombonera or San Siro?

“With all due respect, San Siro is the best.”

After this year in your home country, do you feel ready for a return to Serie A?

“Yes, I feel ready. I’m gaining experience and that’s what I wanted. The first time in Italy was difficult, I was also immature. Of course, I’m still young but I feel like I have more experience.”

What do you feel like saying to Milan fans?

“That for me it’s a dream to play for Milan and coming back would be something beautiful.”