In a move that has sent ripples through the footballing world, French international midfielder Adrien Rabiot has officially donned the iconic red and black of AC Milan. His arrival, celebrated on September 12, 2025, marks not just another transfer, but a strategic reunion with a familiar face and a bold declaration of ambition from both player and club.
The Unbreakable Bond: Rabiot and Allegri
It`s no secret that football transfers often involve a complex web of financial incentives, sporting projects, and personal connections. For Rabiot, the latter proved paramount. His decision to join Milan was significantly influenced by the emphatic call from coach Massimiliano Allegri, with whom he shared a successful tenure at Juventus.
“With Allegri, I shared a lot; I immediately felt good with him. He has ambition and a desire to win, the right mentality, a passion for football. All things I also have,” Rabiot stated, emphasizing a connection that transcends the typical player-coach dynamic. “There was an immediate feeling. When he left Juve, we continued to talk, we even saw each other. For me, before being a great coach, he is a great person, and I am very happy to find him here.”
This “vehement” request from Allegri underscores the coach`s belief in Rabiot`s abilities and his crucial role in Milan`s tactical blueprint. It speaks volumes when a player, seemingly able to choose from a host of Champions League contenders, opts for a club currently outside that elite competition, purely based on the trust and rapport with a coach.
Number 12 and Lofty Ambitions
Rabiot will wear the number 12 jersey, a choice laden with personal aspiration. His career-best goal tally stands at 11, achieved during the 2022-23 season under Allegri`s guidance at Juventus. The new number is a symbolic target, a personal challenge to surpass previous milestones.
His immediate focus is clear: to contribute from day one. “I have a great desire to play, I am ready, I am trained, I am here to help. If the coach puts me on the field immediately, I will do everything to help the team win on Sunday,” he asserted, eyeing a starting spot with the confidence of a seasoned professional. Such directness, some might call audacity, is precisely the kind of leadership Milan needs.
But beyond individual statistics, Rabiot`s ambition aligns perfectly with Milan`s broader objectives. He explicitly stated that while he “could have gone to a club playing in the Champions League,” he was convinced by Allegri and the Milan project to come here. The goal? To return to the Champions League next year and “do something important.”
“Winning it might be difficult,” he conceded with a refreshing dose of realism, “but doing something great is possible. This is a group that wants to win, and I came with the ambition to win the Scudetto.”
The Italian league title, the Scudetto, is clearly in his sights, indicating a player fully invested in immediate domestic success as a stepping stone to European glory.
The `Nothing Special` Incident with Rowe
No high-profile transfer is complete without addressing past controversies. Rabiot gracefully tackled the much-publicized “incident” with former teammate Rowe at Marseille, which reportedly escalated to the point of both players leaving the club. With characteristic composure, he downplayed its significance.
“With Rowe, there is nothing special. We even spoke when he went to Bologna, and I came here. We wrote to each other to wish each other the best, saying we would see each other at San Siro. He is a good guy; what happened is a locker room thing that can happen anywhere. It hasn`t changed the relationship I have with him. I will be happy to see him, and he will be happy to see me.”
This response, delivered with a touch of diplomatic flair, effectively closed a chapter that, in the sensational world of football media, often receives more attention than it warrants. It reinforces Rabiot`s maturity and focus on the future rather than lingering on past skirmishes.
Milan: A Family Affair and a Leader`s Promise
Rabiot also revealed that other French internationals already at Milan played a part in his decision. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Theo Hernandez reportedly painted a picture of Milan as not just a “great club,” but a “family.” This endorsement from trusted peers undoubtedly added another layer of appeal to the Rossoneri project.
As for his personal contribution, Rabiot promises more than just tackles and passes. “I want to continue to have this hunger to win, score goals and assists, enjoy myself and help the younger players,” he declared. He views his role as bringing leadership to the squad, a valuable asset in any team aspiring for titles.
Regarding his position on the pitch, he is a versatile midfielder. “In the middle, I think I can play anywhere. With De Zerbi, I also played higher up. With humility, I say I can do everything,” he noted, before specifying his preference: “My preferred role, however, remains the left mezzala.” His target of matching or exceeding his 10 seasonal goals from the previous year further solidifies his commitment to being a tangible offensive threat.
A Symbiotic Future?
Rabiot`s final remark, “We`ll see in March where the team is,” echoes the pragmatic, results-oriented philosophy often attributed to Allegri. This isn`t just a player joining a club; it’s a confident professional reuniting with a mentor, embarking on a shared mission to restore one of Europe’s most storied clubs to its former glory. The stage is set for a season where ambition, experience, and a strong personal bond will be put to the ultimate test in the unforgiving arena of Italian football.
