Rabiot explains why he hopes to change Milan squad No. next season | OneFootball

Adrien Rabiot admits the No.12 doesn’t have a special meaning for him, but perhaps it suggests the number of goals he should score this season: ‘If I reach that, maybe next year I’ll take 15 or 16.’

Rabiot joined Milan on a permanent transfer from Marseille on deadline day.

The France international was already unveiled at a press conference on Friday, but today he gave his first interview to Milan TV.

“I’m very happy to be a Milan player, such a historic and prestigious club. I’m grateful for this opportunity, glad to be back in Italy. I lived here for five years and I felt very good,” Rabiot said via Milan News.

“I can’t wait to wear this shirt and do well. I hope I can win trophies. That would be wonderful.”

Rabiot has reunited with his ex-Juventus coach Allegri at San Siro.

Rabiot ‘worked a lot on goals’ with Allegri

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 17: Adrien Rabiot of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus – Serie A TIM at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“With him, I played in a slightly different role. At Juve, we worked a lot on goals, assists and getting into the box, being decisive,” Rabiot explained.

“I was lacking awareness of what I could do. He helped me a lot, and I carried that with me to Marseille too. I’m happy to be reunited with the coach and his staff. I got along very well with them and worked well. I enjoy working with people like this.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rabiot is expected to make his debut at San Siro on Sunday, when the Rossoneri host Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna.

“There aren’t many stadiums like San Siro. With this atmosphere,” said Rabiot.

“Playing in these stadiums gives something extra, the desire to do well and, above all, to enjoy myself. It’s true that whenever I’ve come to San Siro, it’s often gone well. I hope I can make the Milan fans happy.”

Rabiot explains Milan squad number decision

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match between Spain and France at the Munich Football Arena in Munich on July 9, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Rabiot has picked the squad number 12, but would be glad to change it next season.

“I think it’s a nice number, but it doesn’t have a particular meaning for me. The important thing is what you do on the pitch and with what you do to make this number important,” he said.

“Maybe it could also be the number of goals I should aim for,” Rabiot added, smiling.

“If I reach that, maybe next year I’ll take 15 or 16 to score even more goals.”

Rabiot has already played 157 Serie A games with Juventus, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists.

Under Allegri, Rabiot netted 16 times and provided 11 assists in 127 matches across all competitions.