Bartesaghi reveals Milan dream and surprising Rafael Leao gift

“It was a different Milan when you were there, so many champions and a different atmosphere. I started watching Milan play a little later than that,” confessed Bartesaghi.

He recently signed a new contract that runs to June 2030 and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Paolo Maldini as a one-club man.

“It is my dream to stay at Milan for as long as possible, this is a magnificent club. I have a passion for Milan, the history speaks for itself.”

Bartesaghi is a left-back, but he took centre-stage in last season’s Supercoppa Italiana triumph, beating Inter 3-2.

“It was totally unexpected, but we still believed we could do it. That was my first trophy, one of those moments I will never forget. Moving from the youth team to the senior squad was indescribable, a dream come true. I know that I have to keep going and do far more than I did this season. I hope many more kids can experience this in future.”

Despite their stuttering recent form that has them clinging on to third place in Serie A, he insists the mood in the dressing room is still positive.

“We must always be respectful for the older players, be eager to listen and learn, but also have your say, not just stay silent.”

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Bartesaghi reveals that teammate Rafael Leao surprised him after the first unexpected brace of his Serie A career.

“After I scored a brace against Sassuolo, Rafael Leao congratulated me, then the day after he gave me a huge framed picture of my celebration.

“Alexis Saelemaekers is the funniest teammate, Mike Maignan the most serious. The most severe coach I had was Sergio Conceicao, my favourites are Allegri and Pioli.”