Liberali discusses Primavera’s play-off hopes and recalls ‘dream’ senior debut | OneFootball

Mattia Liberali has recalled the emotions of making his senior debut, while insisting that Milan Primavera believe in reaching the play-offs.

Liberali’s rise to prominence came during the preseason tour of the United States in which he played in the friendly matches, including getting the assist in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at Soldier Field in Chicago.

He began the season with the newly-formed Milan Futuro side playing in Serie A, and then in December a dream moment came. Liberali not only made his debut for the first team aged just 17 but he started against Genoa, in what was the club’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Since then the teenager has spent a bit more time with Federico Guidi’s Primavera team, aiding their push for a top six finish to enter the play-off places. There has been talk of doubts about his future recently, amid a contract stalemate and interest from other Serie A clubs.

Liberali gave an interview with Milan TV in which he spoke about a number of topics from his San Siro introduction to life away from the field, and his comments have been transcribed below.

What has this season been like for you, and what hopes do you have for the remainder?

“It has certainly been a hectic season, but I have achieved some dreams that I had and hopefully it can end well. I want to help the team to reach the playoffs, which we deserve and we are working to reach them all together, so it will be very important for everyone to help and stay united.

“I learned to adapt, I gained experience, I compared myself with those of my age and with those older than me, and this helped me a lot. I get along very well with my teammates, but also with the staff and the coach in general, the group is united and we have a single goal. We are aware of our quality.

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“We have to continue like in the last two games, the play-offs are not impossible and we can do it easily. If we believe in it and put in what we have put in the last period we can do it. Torino? It will not be easy, especially at their home, but if we play like against Lazio we can do it easily.”

What was it like playing for the first team?

“It was a dream I had since I was a child, as soon as I first stepped onto the pitch at Vismara. At first I didn’t fully realise it, it was inexplicable in words.

“I thank everyone who was close to me in the pre-match, for example Florenzi helped me a lot, but in general all my teammates and the staff, Fonseca first and foremost, who made me feel at ease with the team and helped me a lot.”

The Curva chanted your name…

“I was very emotional there, the Curva chanting a chant to me during the warm-up was beautiful.”

What do you like to do away from football?

“I’m a quiet, shy guy, but I get along with everyone. I draw on canvas, I do it in my free time and it helps me fill the time.”