Diego Lopez reveals ‘love’ for Milan but expects Real Madrid to be ‘too superior’ | OneFootball

Diego Lopez believes that Real Madrid are far better than AC Milan on paper, while he insisted that Rafael Leao simply has to play to be at his best.

If you were to look at the bookmakers’ odds and the predicted line-ups, it seems like it could be a long night for Milan given the attacking firepower that Real have. There is also the fact that they are the champions of both LaLiga and the Champions League at present.

Diego Lopez is someone who knows what it means to represent both clubs. He joined Real Madrid’s C-Team in 2000, graduating up to the senior side five years later. After spells with Villarreal and Sevilla he ended up back with Los Blancos for a year, before Milan signed him.

He is potentially best known at the Rossoneri for being the man who lost his spot to Gianluigi Donnarumma when he was just 16 at the time, but prior to that he did have some impressive games.

La Gazzetta dello Sport have done an interview with Lopez which was published on the day of the game in the Spanish capital, and he began with a joke about his time in Serie A.

“I already know you’ll ask me about Donnarumma, in Italy they almost only remember me for that! I came from Real, but the charm of Milanello is unique. The best sponsor for my transfer was Kakà, who was still in love with Milan.

“I was born a Madrid fan and Real is the team of my heart, but I also remain very attached to Milan. They were two intense years.”

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Let’s start from the end. Fonseca’s Milan is coming to Madrid, how do you see the game going?

“I say that for me this Real is potentially even stronger than mine. And we had Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Kakà & co. Ancelotti has to find the right balance, but he is the best in the world in managing champions. If I have to choose I say that Los Blancos will win, they are too superior.”

Do you follow the Rossoneri still? What do you think of their start to the season?

“I think it takes time. We need to wait before judging and passing sentences. The Bernabeu match will certainly not be a watershed moment or even indicative of the value of Fonseca’s team. But I have learned that in Italy, especially in a club like Milan, you expect a lot and right away.”

Are you also referring to the criticism you received during your two years at Milan?

“They were complicated years, especially from a corporate point of view. Even though Milan is always Milan. And you have to be able to respect the club’s reputation. I think I left a good memory from a professional point of view. I still receive many messages from the Rossoneri fans.”

The first year especially…

“Yes, I came from Real and Kakà had told me how special Milanello and the whole Milan environment were. Then Galliani, Maldini, Berlusconi… I have unique memories. I arrived convinced also by Kakà, who told me how wonderful it was to be there. He was still in love with Milan and its people.”

The second year, what happened? You hinted at it with a joke earlier…

“I was playing with pain and felt the need to stop. The coach chose to try Gigio and for me it was almost a liberation. Donnarumma was already very strong and I always had a good relationship with him, even if to be honest in my opinion it was a somewhat rash and premature decision.”

Please explain more…

“I don’t question the choice, but perhaps the way it happened. No one took me and explained the situation to me. There was a lack of clarity and a lack of respect.”

However, you remain very attached to Milan…

“Absolutely yes, as I was saying, they were two very important years for me. Misunderstandings aside. I had a great time at Milan and I can say that the Milan derby is the best in the world, better than Madrid.

“There is an incredible atmosphere. Unfortunately, I never won one, but I assure you that even just playing it is something that stays with you”.

Let’s move on to Real Madrid, what memories do you have of your years in Madrid?

“I have actually been to Real twice. The first time was with Ronaldo the Phenomenon, Zidane, Figo and Beckham, the second time with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ramos. Even though, there were controversies and discussions with the press there too.”

Because of Mourinho’s choice to play you and not Casillas?

“Exactly. He decided that I should play as a starter and not Iker. It’s easy to imagine how the press took it, also because he was a symbol and had been the goalkeeper for the previous ten years.

“I always tried to stay clear-headed and avoid hearing everything that was said off the pitch. But it wasn’t easy. I didn’t talk about it with Casillas, we were never friends, even if there was great respect.”

Is Mourinho the best coach he had in his career?

“Definitely the most important for me. He gave me confidence and always defended me. He also announced in the press conference that I would play and not Casillas.

“Then in terms of communication and management of the group he was spectacular. Among the best I would also say Ancelotti, the calm with which he faces every situation is impressive.”

If you had to choose a goalkeeper between Courtois and Maignan, who would you choose?

“I’ll take the Belgian without a doubt. For me he’s the most complete player in the world. I didn’t know Maignan and I appreciated him in the red and black, but he’s still missing something to reach the level of the greatest in Europe.”

And in general, who impresses you at Milan?

“Leao, more than anyone. Even if he has to find continuity and show everyone what he is capable of. The coach is Fonseca and rightly he decides, but it is hard to leave out someone so strong…”