Calabria’s Departure from Milan: A Difficult Decision
Davide Calabria, a player who has been synonymous with AC Milan for the majority of his career, recently made the tough decision to leave the club he grew up with. Having come through the Milan academy and even wearing the captain’s armband, Calabria’s departure was tinged with sadness. "Leaving Milan was a choice I pondered for days, but it was the right decision for everyone involved, and I don’t want to get into the details of that," he stated during his presentation press conference at the Stadio Dall’Ara. Despite the emotional weight of the move, Calabria emphasizes that it was a necessary step, both for his personal career and for the club’s direction. The once-dedicated Rossoneri player found himself increasingly marginalized, and with no intention of extending his contract, the January transfer window provided the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.
A Fresh Start at Bologna: The Draw of a Positive Atmosphere
Calabria didn’t choose Bologna by chance; he was drawn to the club for the "healthy environment" and "super positive atmosphere" that he felt were missing at Milan. "I see a strong potential here and found an ambitious team with a positive atmosphere, which I really like," he explained. This sentiment is a stark contrast to his experiences at San Siro, where he often felt the weight of internal tensions and a lack of support. The right-back’s move to Bologna marks a significant shift in his career, allowing him to rediscover the joy and consistency of his earlier days. For Calabria, the new club represents more than just a playing opportunity—it’s a chance to breathe new life into his football journey.
The Unpleasant Situations at Milan
When asked about the specific reasons for his departure, Calabria was reluctant to delve into the details, particularly the on-field argument with Sergio Conceicao that almost escalated physically. "I do think it is a chance to prove myself again, to get back to playing the way I did in previous years, with consistency. Over there, some even unpleasant situations had been created, so I am happy to have found a nice, healthy environment to work in here with a super positive energy that I had been lacking recently," he said. These comments, while not explicit, suggest a strained relationship with the Milan coaching staff and a toxic atmosphere that ultimately pushed him away. The right-back’s decision to move to Bologna seems to be as much about escaping a negative environment as it is about pursuing new opportunities.
Reflecting on the Past: Gratitude to Sinisa Mihajlovic
Despite the challenges at Milan, Calabria took a moment to reflect on a coach who had a significant impact on his career: Sinisa Mihajlovic. "Sinisa was the first coach to launch my career and I will always be grateful to him. I was meant to go out on loan, but he spoke directly and said he wanted me to stay at Milan." Mihajlovic’s belief in Calabria during his early years at the club is something the right-back will never forget. This positive memory underscores the importance of mentorship and the lasting effects it can have on a player’s career. At Bologna, Calabria hopes to find a similar level of trust and support from coach Vincenzo Italiano, who shares a playing style with Mihajlovic that suits his strengths.
Looking Forward: Bologna’s Potential and Italiano’s Influence
Calabria’s enthusiasm for his new club is evident in his words. "If I chose this club, it’s because I saw something wonderful here. There really is a healthy atmosphere and Vincenzo Italiano has a similar playing style to Stefano Pioli, with movements for the full-backs that are best suited to me. I feel like I’ve been here for months already," he added. The right-back’s quick adaptation to Bologna’s style and team dynamics is a testament to the club’s welcoming environment and the clarity of Italiano’s tactical vision. Calabria’s goal is to establish himself as a key player and contribute to Bologna’s ambitions, both in the league and in future competitions. The opportunity to play in a system that aligns with his strengths has reinvigorated his passion for the game.
Rekindling Dreams: The Italy Squad and Beyond
While Calabria’s immediate focus is on his new club, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of regaining a place in the Italy national squad. "Why not? It is an objective and maybe even a target," he said. The right-back’s international career has seen a downturn in recent years, but his move to Bologna and the chance to play regularly could be the catalyst he needs to impress the national team selectors. Calabria’s ambition and determination to succeed at Bologna are evident, and his performances could well open the door to a return to the international stage. For now, he remains committed to his new team and the positive environment that has already made such a significant difference in his career.
