Milan v Como in Australia, Rabiot: "Absurd to travel so far" | OneFootball

The Lombardy derby will be played in Perth: the Football League frees San Siro for the Olympics

Milan-Como in Australia, Rabiot attacks: "Absurd to travel so many kilometers for a Serie A match"

The decision, made by the Serie A League, is part of the plan to free up San Siro, which will host some ceremonies and trials in view of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (6-22 February).

A historic move, also approved by UEFA in an entirely exceptional way, which will allow the League to export the Serie A brand to a growing market like the Australian one. However, the choice was not enthusiastically received by either fans or players.

Rabiot: "It's crazy to make us travel so much"

The first to openly express his dissent was Adrien Rabiot, one of the leaders of the new Milan. Interviewed by Le Figaro, the French midfielder used harsh words:

"Milan-Como in Australia? It's totally absurd. Then there are economic agreements so that the championship has a certain visibility, things that are beyond us. There is a lot of talk about schedules and the health of the players, but all this seems really absurd. It's crazy to travel so many kilometers to play a match between two Italian teams. We have to adapt. As always."

A clear stance, which reflects the dissatisfaction of much of the Rossoneri locker room. The trip to Perth will involve over 15,000 kilometers of travel and at least seven hours of time difference, with potential effects on physical condition and subsequent commitments.

A financial operation worth 12 million euros

Behind the decision of the Football League hides a very precise economic strategy. According to what emerged, the dispute of Milan-Como in Perth will guarantee a total income of about 12 million euros, a sum that will be redistributed among all Serie A companies as compensation for the schedule and international promotion of the tournament.

The stated goal is to expand the user base of Serie A in Asian and Oceanic markets, where the Premier League and Liga have dominated for years in terms of audience and sponsors. A marketing choice, therefore, which however has raised technical and logistical doubts among the protagonists of the championship.

Rabiot and Milan: ambitions and leadership

Beyond the controversy, Rabiot also spoke about his ambitions with Milan:

"I hope to do great things, win titles, in a historic and mythical club. I want to leave a mark."

The midfielder, who arrived in Rossoneri after his experience at Juventus, has already established himself as a reference point in the midfield, where he accompanies Luka Modrić, another legend of European football. About the Croatian, Rabiot added:

"I was amazed to see him training with such precision, professionalism, intensity and commitment, at 40 years old. He is humble, dedicated, always at 100%. When I see what he does with ten years more than me, I am speechless."

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